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A community gathers to walk in support of Sexual Assault Awareness

Posted at 8:57 PM, Oct 19, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-19 22:20:15-04

Carrollton, Va. - The abduction and sexual assault of an 11 year old girl shook the small community of Carrollton.  It has been nearly three weeks since it happened.

Unfortunately, the suspect still has not been caught and this has parents making sure their children are on the lookout. Tonight, they walked in unity with hopes of sending a message to the young girl’s family.

Dozens gathered during this walk to show their care for the family of the young girl taken at her school bus stop earlier this month. They also walked to stand up against the child abductor on the run.

Investigators say after the man snatched the girl, he drove her roughly two hours away where he assaulted her inside an abandoned home. It is a heart-wrenching tragedy. One that these people thought would never happen in their small community but it will be on their minds for years to come.

However, a community can be rallied to keep their eyes open, to train their children of things they should and shouldn’t do, and things they should be aware of. At tonight’s walk, police went over tips with the children that live here – reminding them to be aware of their surroundings and travel in groups.

While police are still searching for this man, the community is healing together and they want anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to know they are not alone.

That is also the message they want the young girl’s family to know: that this community is behind her.