(OTTUMWA, Iowa) - A windy spring day gave some local activists a chance to spread the message that sexual abuse is unacceptable
About 15 Ottumwans gathered in Central Park Wednesday morning to release balloons in support of the hundreds of teenage and child survivors of sexual violence.
The event was sponsored by the Crisis Center and Women's Shelter.
Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling was on hand and told the crowd that his family is personally committed to drawing attention to the issue.
Organizers say that most Iowans don't understand the size of the problem. According to Crisis Center staff, there are approximately 5,500 individuals currently on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry.
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