The Chatham County District Attorney’s Office teamed up with the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire and the Victim-Witness Assistance Program on Saturday to host a community-wide event focused on combating crime and bullying.
Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap said the event, which featured free food and activities for children, aimed to raise awareness in the community while reaching out to youth and letting them know the importance of staying in school.
“What we’re trying to do is something proactive. We want to let people know we’re here and to let them know you just don’t see us when you have to enter the courthouse,” Heap said.
The event also aimed to teach kids about the dangers of bullying.
Kesha Gibson-Carter, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center, said the center is in the process of setting up a hotline for victims to report cases of bullying.
“Bullying crosses all socioeconomic and racial lines; bullying is bullying for everybody,” she said.
Once in place, the hotline will allow the center to respond to both children and parents who are experiencing bullying and provide them with the resources they need.
Norma Mason was on hand to support her brother, who works for the Chatham County Violent Crimes Unit, and said the program is a good way to raise awareness in the community.
“It’s a nice program. It’s nice to let the community know that they’re there and bring resources to the community so that people are aware what services they can receive,” Mason said.
“The community won’t always come to you, so you have to go to the community.”