Hundreds of blue and white balloons were the center of attraction inside Songs of Selma Park Tuesday as the Central Alabama Regional Advocacy Center kicked off Child Abuse and Prevention Month.

Members of the organization released balloons in honor of the victims of child abuse and wore T-shirts inscribed with the phrase, “There is no excuse for child abuse.” In partnership with SABRA Sanctuary, the event also honored Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In its second year, CAC executive director Lauri S. Cothran said the balloon release is symbolic.

“We feel like the balloons are a representation of the spirits being lifted. We want to better the lives of the children and families who are going through this terrible ordeal (abuse),” Cothran said. “We hope their spirits are lifted and that we’re making an impact in the lives of children and adults.”

SABRA executive director Nancy Travis encouraged the crowd to also “take a stand” against sexual violence.

Chief juvenile probation officer for Dallas County Remonia Hardy, who is also a domestic violence survivor, said public awareness of sexual assault is imperative.

“It’s so important and crucial to make the various counties aware and empower victims that though they’ve experienced hardships, they have the victory,” Hardy said.

Cothran said she is thankful for the community’s support.

“This means so much for you all to come out and support this,” Cothran said. “We want to add a balloon release in Bibb County by the end of this month and hopefully other counties as well … the support from the community has been great. We’re looking forward to another great year.”

Serving Bibb, Hale, Perry, Wilcox and Dallas counties, CAC is a child-friendly setting where victims of sexual abuse can begin their healing process. The charitable organization’s mission is to reduce further trauma to the child through a multidisciplinary process, which includes a forensic interview that is recorded for use by law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources and district attorney’s office. Appointments for interviews are made through DHR and law enforcement. Since October 2010, the CAC has conducted nearly 100 interviews of child victims.

For more information about CAC, call 875-0890.