Child Advocacy Center raising awareness with One Too Many 5K

(WBNG) -- One in 10 children will be abused before their 18th birthday, according to the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

That is why this weekend the CVAC is urging residents to put on their running shoes to show one child abused is one too many.

Starting Friday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 18 residents can take part in a virtual 5K hosted by the New York State Children’s Alliance.

The goal is to raise funds for the Crime Victims Assistance Center and Broome County Child Advocacy Center which provide children in crisis with free support, services and hope for the future.

Dan Lesch, Assistant Director of Youth Services with CVAC, said last year in Broome County the Child Advocacy Center saw 350 cases of child abuse, the majority of which were sexually abused children.

“It’s alarming because these are also very under-reported crimes,” said Lesch. “We know that a lot of children will never come forward or will only come forward much later in their life. The whole purpose of the Child Advocacy Center is to provide that support and to provide that path for healing for families and children that are in that situation.”

5K registration remains open through Sept. 17, the cost is $40 per runner/walker and can be done anywhere at any time.

Seventy-five% of your registration fee benefits your selected Child Advocacy Center.

You can learn more and register by clicking here.