About 30 Sycamore and DeKalb residents gathered in front of the Sycamore Courthouse on Friday to remember victims of child abuse.

The commemorators held hands in a circle in front of the courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore, while Judge Kurt Klein said a few words. Events similar to this one are planned at courthouses in six counties.

“That’s usually where neglected kids end up [courthouses],” said Peggy Carey, prevention resource developer for Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. “And it’s a reminder not to let kids end up here.”

Those in attendance were encouraged to wear blue ribbons symbolizing the bruises of abuse. The blue ribbon tradition was started by Bonnie Finney of Norfolk, Va., whose grandson was killed. He was found in a swamp wrapped in a sheet and stuffed into a toolbox. Since then, she’s been advocating an awareness campaign to stop child abuse.

Friday’s commemoration was not just for fatal cases and kids caught in the legal system, but for child abuse cases that don’t get reported, including verbal abuse.

Verbal abuse can be more long lasting, but it doesn’t meet the legal criteria of child abuse, said Carla Klein, regional coordinator for Parents Care and Share.

The gathering lasted about 10 minutes. People are very busy and that’s why the event is soshort, Carla Klein said.

With something small like this, people can come and feel like they made at least a small difference, she added.

The event titled “Hands Around the Court” coincides with Prevent Child Abuse Month, which takes place this month.