Child Abuse Network Brings Awareness With Superhero Challenge Event

Child abuse is a huge issue in our state, with thousands of children abused and neglected every year. The Child Abuse Network hosts its annual superhero challenge to help children.

This is the 10th year for this challenge and the goal is to get people involved in protecting children from being abused by those they trust.

The superhero challenge is the main event. In addition to superheroes who represent community members who stand up to child abuse, There's a half-mile course for kids five and under and a full mile course for kids six and older. Rachel Smith says this is her fourth time coming and she and her family always have a great time.

"We enjoy this challenge every year and coming out. I watch for when the date comes because my kids enjoy it so much. There's just so many fun activities," Smith said.

Sunday's challenge highlights the child abuse network's services. The State Department of Human Services says last year, there were more than 14,000 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect across Oklahoma. Child Abuse Network chief development officer, Bob Beard, says everyone has a responsibility to report child abuse. In Oklahoma, it's the law to report any abuse you've heard about.

"It's everyone’s responsibility in the community to make that happen and those superheroes that make that happen on behalf of a child, that's what we want to represent out here on the challenge course and bring awareness," Beard said.

Smith says the event means so much to her that she's helped volunteer.

"The mission of the Child Abuse Network is really important to me and my family and we like to support them as much as we can," Smith said.

The Superhero Challenge helps CAN raise much-needed funds to support child abuse investigations at the Children’s Advocacy Center at no cost to families.