Cycle chapter promotes child-abuse awareness

<p>Democrat photo/Liz Morales</p><p>Riders with Bikers Against Child Abuse visited California on April 6 to spread awareness of child abuse.</p>

Democrat photo/Liz Morales

Riders with Bikers Against Child Abuse visited California on April 6 to spread awareness of child abuse.

For the first time, motorcyclists with Bikers Against Child Abuse visited California to spread awareness about child abuse.

The riders are part of a 12-chapter strong alliance. One such rider, who goes by the road name "Caveman," said the chapter's presence is crucial to keep children safe.

"We're here to let kids know that they have somebody on their side," Caveman said. "Sometimes, we'll get referrals from prosecuting attorneys and legal guardians if a kid needs someone to sit with them at court to be a secondary person and to not be afraid."

Caveman and his group go by road names to protect themselves from potential danger they may face while doing their protective duty.

The chapter rides to 17 counties in Mid-Missouri, spreading awareness, especially in April, which is Child Abuse Awareness month."

A report from the Department of Social Services stated Missouri heard 73,924 reports of child abuse and neglect in 2018; the reports involved 106,090 children. In 2017, 46 children in Missouri died at the hands of child abuse. Of the 46 deaths, 38 were ages 5 and younger.