By STEPHANIE BEECKEN
6 News Reporter
ONEIDA (WATE) - Domestic violence and child abuse goes unreported too often, but in Scott County almost 1,000 people took action Friday to help stop these crimes and save lives.
The Nancy Swain Watters Memorial Walk was held in memory of Kacie Watters' mother, a victim of domestic violence.
She lost her life seven years ago. It's a loss still felt by her daughters.
"She was wonderful. She was the funniest person you would ever meet. You would never know anything was wrong with her," Kacie said.
The memorial walk began to raise awareness for domestic violence and child abuse, and it's grown each year.
"It's very near and dear to us just because we want to stand up for everybody and make a voice and say this is happening and we need to do something about it," Watters said.
The walk has brought in more than $20,000.
Kellie Mays, director of the Children's Center of the Cumberlands, says the money goes to the children's center and Scott County Women's Shelter, which offers free services that are desperately needed.
"It's a huge epidemic that we face here in the county is violence. There's violence against women. There's violence against children," Mays said.
Watters hopes victims know there's help available, including counseling and a safe place to stay.
"Don't be scared. I feel that most women are and you don't have to be just stand strong," said Watters.
The memorial walk began to raise awareness for domestic violence and child abuse, and it's grown each year.
