PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN’S KIDS

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – With statistics indicating that 90 per- cent of child abuse victims know their perpetrator and 30 percent of sexual abuse is never reported, increased awareness about how to prevent children from being assaulted takes on even greater importance.

Child sexual abuse prevention advocates from all around South Florida, Legislators and their families, volunteers and survivors, educators, and community members gathered in Broward on March 26 for Lauren’s Kids’ seventh annual “Walk in My Shoes” journey across Florida to promote awareness, education and prevention. Walkers trekked from Hollywood City Hall to Hallandale Beach City Hall and then from there to Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School in Miami-Dade County. “We have come so far in the fight to protect childhood but there is still so much work to be done,” Book said. “When survivors come together powerful things happen. We are fighting to take the issue of child sexual abuse out of the shadows and into the light.”

Book added, “Our Hope & Healing Guide is designed to help survivors and their families find that light. Together, we can protect our children from unthinkable harm and, if the unthinkable does occur, get child victims the trauma informed care they so desperately need to heal into thriving survivors.”

She founded Lauren’s Kids, a not-for-profit organization, to prevent child abuse and help survivors heal. Through in school curriculum, legislative advocacy and speaking engagements, Lauren’s Kids works to educate and raise awareness about the growing issue of child sexual abuse. Book has, to date, walked the state six times – logging more than 7,500 miles – to raise awareness and educate communities as part of her annual “Walk in My Shoes.” For more information, visitwww.LaurensKids.org.