Vigil at ODU remembers young victims of abuse

By Jim Washington
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 13, 2009

NORFOLK

The recent deaths of a Virginia Beach boy and a baby with local ties gave a sense of urgency to an annual vigil for victims of child abuse Thursday night.

The "In Support of Children" event, in its fourth year, drew 150 to 200 people to Old Dominion University to memorialize children killed by abuse.

"Just look at the headlines," said speaker Betty Wade-Croyle of Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads.

Organizers made special mention of Joshua Hagerman, the slain 5-year-old Virginia Beach boy whose father is charged with murder, and Tendral Meytok Gurung, a 9-month-old whose guardian is charged with manslaughter after the girl was left unattended in a bathtub. Tendral had surgery in December to repair a cleft lip and palate with help from Norfolk-based Operation Smile.

Both children died Tuesday.

"Why is this happening?" Wade-Croyle said. "Every child should enter the world planned, wanted and loved. "

Karen Polonko, a faculty adviser in ODU's Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, started the vigil in 2006 to honor Nixzmary Brown, a Brooklyn girl who was beaten to death.

"We honor them. We remember them. We give meaning to their lives and deaths where there was none," Polonko said.

Students from the campus group In Support of Children read names of children killed as a result of abuse nationwide in the past year.

"I work with elementary school children, and I want to get the word out about this," said freshman Lashonda Dotson, 18. "I look at these children, and they're so beautiful. Why would anyone want to hurt them?"

Jim Washington, (757) 446-2536, jim.washington@pilotonline.com

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Prariedog

Submitted by unexpected.life on Fri, 02/13/2009 at 6:38 pm.

You must have some issues. I mean just because the Pilot isn't writing what you want doesn't mean that it is wrong for them to write what they are. This newspaper isn't just for you. Get over yourself.

Young Victim Abuse

Submitted by Prairiedog on Fri, 02/13/2009 at 9:21 am.

You are in the wrong newspaper. The Pilot only stresses animal cruelty.....not human, children or otherwise. I guess this gives them lots of support from the worthless organization, PETA...and are probably large monetary supporters of same. Sorry, kids but you must be good to be in the newspaper.