July 17th, 2026
Members of the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club with WIRC Victim Services
An Effort To Bring Awareness To Child Abuse
Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse takes place every year in honor of Silvie Yokum. At the age of 5 years, Silven (known to those who knew and loved her as “Silvie”) became a fatal victim of child abuse. The annual ride is a reminder that no child should ever have to endure abuse and serves as a way to raise funds for the organization to continue its work to help prevent it through awareness programs and support and services to survivors.
A local community member on the Facebook page for Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse is quoted as saying, “As a friend of the family, I can attest to the heartbreak this family and community suffered and continues to live with. No child or family should have to endure this kind of tragedy. It is unimaginable. Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse honors Silvie and promotes awareness of child abuse.”
This year, 105 riders attended the event, which took place on June 20th, with a start point at the Elks Lodge on Deere Road. Funds raised from the ride totaled $14,000.00 and were shared between Samaritan Well, Safe Harbor, and WIRC. WIRC received $8,400.00, which we are extremely grateful for. We thank Silvie’s Ride Against Child Abuse, the Knights Motorcycle Riding Club, and all who came and supported the ride.
Know The Signs of Child Abuse
It’s essential that the communities are aware of the signs of child abuse and know who to turn to and what services are available. Sometimes it’s situational awareness. For example, being out in public and witnessing an interaction that isn’t right, and knowing what to do or who to call. Other times it’s being aware of who your neighbors are and checking in on them.
Child Abuse comes in many forms. Physical, sexual, emotional, medical, and neglect are perpetrated by a trusted person, such as a parent or relative.
Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of child abuse can include:
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility, or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
- Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
- Sleep problems and nightmares
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school
- Rebellious or defiant behavior
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide.
*Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused.
How to Take Action Against Child Abuse
WIRC Victim Services wants to stress the importance of taking action if you suspect your child or another child has been abused. Seek help right away. Resources are a child welfare agency, the police department, and our 24-hour hotline at 309-837-5555.
It’s important to recognize that if you have been the victim of child abuse, you can get the help you need. Addressing what has happened in the past can prevent a lot of harm from happening in the present and the future. If you think you might abuse your child, get help immediately. Call victim services, and we can get you the services, help, and referrals you need.
*WIRC-Community Action Agency (WIRC) is a nonprofit social service agency whose mission is to help and empower people and communities in western Illinois through its programs, services, and partnerships.
**At WIRC Victim Services, we believe survivors. Our free counseling and advocacy services are a phone call away. We have a Victim Services 24/7 crisis hotline available at 309-837-5555. Our program serves the following counties in western Illinois: Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Warren, and Fulton. If you live outside of this area, we will be happy to refer you to another agency.
*** Source: Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022, May 19, Diseases and Conditions: Child Abuse, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20370864
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