Orange City, Iowa – One thousand six hundred eighteen days. That’s how long it’s been since three-year-old Autumn Elgersma took her last breath, just two days after she suffered fatal injuries at the hand of her child care provider.
Child abuse is an issue that touches every corner of the world, and it is no stranger to the Elgersma family. Since Autumn’s death in 2013, the family has become an advocate for child abuse awareness, and in an effort to spread that awareness, an annual child abuse prevention rally has been held at the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office. This year marks the fourth End It! For Autumn rally, and while time has passed, the pain of losing her child is still there for mother Jennifer Elgersma.
Sheriff Dan Altena gave a welcoming speech to those in attendance at this year’s rally before turning the mic over to Kim Scorza, CEO of Season’s Center and Autumn’s Center. Scorza said it was “a humbling experience to partner with Autumn’s family” in helping spread the word about childhood abuse and neglect. She stated that in 2016 there were 31,000 investigations into instances of abuse or neglect in Iowa, and that while the phrase “if you see something, say something” is commonly linked with terrorism, it applies to cases of abuse as well. Nobody wants to think that bad things can, and do, happen, and many people don’t want to get involved, but if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t right. Scorza encouraged those in attendance to stand up and do the right thing if they feel there’s a concern that needs to be investigated.
Jennifer Elgersma gave an emotional speech about losing her daughter. She shared that while yes, her family has suffered a huge loss, they know that Autumn is now healed and whole and they will see her again someday. She said their pain is no worse than the pain someone whose child is alive, but still suffering from abuse or neglect. Elgersma said it’s important to encourage each other in difficult time, and that it’s ok to ask for help if you don’t where to turn. She closed by thanking the sheriff’s office, DHS, Season’s Center, and the counselors who have helped her family when they needed it most. Following the rally, balloons were released in honor and memory of Autumn in the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office parking lot.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from abuse or neglect, you can contact your local police department, or you can call the Iowa Department of Human Services at 1-800-362-2178.
