Painting the town blue: Residents promote child abuse awareness in Vader

Local resident Ruth Crear ties blue ribbons to lampposts in Downtown Vader Friday to help promote awareness of child abuse among members of the community. Joined by a handful of other volunteers that day, Crear has been advocating for child abuse victims since her granddaughter was severely shaken in 2013 and suffered serious injuries, and encourages anyone who believes they are aware of child abuse to report such instances.

The community of Vader was rocked not long ago by the sudden death of a young boy living in town, and rocked ever harder when they learned his death had been the result of chronic physical abuse.

In the months that have followed, different services and remembrances have been held to commemorate Jasper Henderling-Warner, who had been three years old when he died Oct. 5, 2014, under the care of guardians Brenda and Danny Wing, who have since been arrested for causing his death.

But as time and the potential close of litigation against the Wings distances Vader from these events, a number of local activists are hoping the community will not let themselves forget the realities of child abuse, and are using April as an opportunity to raise local awareness and keep residents informed.

Leading such efforts has been Ruth Crear, who became involved in advocating for victims of child abuse after her young granddaughter was victimized herself in October of 2013.

"It's not just because of my granddaughter or Jasper [Henderling-Warner]," said Crear of local awareness efforts, "it's for every kid."

Crear began engaging the City of Vader in March, during which time the City Council declared April Child Abuse Awareness Month and approved the hanging of blue ribbons across town to represent the issue.

And it was on Friday that Crear and a handful of other residents braved a mostly-rainy day to "paint this town blue," as Mayor Ken Smith put it, attaching ribbons to lampposts, stop signs, trees and near about any visible fixture where residents could see them.

Among the volunteers that day had been Chrissy Durette, a close friend of Crear's who said, though she has not been impacted personally by child abuse, she sees the need for those close to the victims to receive their own support.

"It breaks my heart that families have to fight so hard to get justice and to get the word out," said Durette, stating she feels "strong enough" to support a victim's family and let them know they are not fighting alone.

Durette's husband Chris Durette, who was also on hand to tie ribbons, added he feels discouraged by many members of the public who seem willfully ignorant of issues like child abuse and seem to avoid having discussions about it until they are confronted with graphic photos or video in the media.

Crear said it is a continuing awareness of child abuse she is hoping to cultivate among area residents, stating the reality is approximately five children per day are killed by their abusers, and this is "five too many."

"It shouldn't be that way," said Crear, who encourages those who believe they have witnessed or are aware of child abuse to contact someone, such as the police, a responsible adult or a pastor, stating an opportunity taken to report abuse could end up saving a child's life.

With blue ribbons strung throughout town, Crear's next efforts include a possible memorial for Henderling-Warner at one of Vader's local parks, with Smith stating this decision remains within the hands of the city's Park Board. Crear and a number of other local residents will also be joining a large group in Olympia this coming Saturday and Monday for Million March Against Child Abuse, a national awareness rally all members of the public are welcome to attend.

Those seeking information about the gathering in Olympia can contact Chrissy Durette at (425) 754-7461, while those seeking to become involved in similar community support efforts are encouraged to join Friends Helping Friends of Lewis County, on Facebook.

(Left to right) Community activists Chrissy Durette, Chris Curette, Ruth Crear and Vader Mayor Ken Smith prepare to hang ribbons throughout town at City Hall on Friday.