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Katya Estes wants to “stomp the silence” about child abuse, so the teen, a survivor herself, is putting together a 5k run/walk to raise awareness for Family & Children’s Place, which she credits for helping her heal.

“Stomp the silence: Taking steps toward healing,” will be Saturday, April 18, at the Seneca Park Loop. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the run/walk kicking off at 9 a.m. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the walk comes five years to the day after her abuser’s sentencing hearing.

Despite being convicted for sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12, the man responsible for the abuse (her grandfather) was sentenced only to probation. After violating his probation, the court sentenced him to 60 days in county jail, but he was released early.

Estes’ goal is to help people – parents, teachers, kids – understand what to look and listen for – to “tune in and be aware,” she said. It’s also to help her continue to heal – Estes has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and continues to receive treatment – and to raise funds for Family & Children’s Place, which protects children from violence, abuse and neglect, and helps child victims and families heal.

Runners/walkers can register online at: http://www.famchildplace.org/stompsilence. There is no charge to participate as the event aims to raise awareness of child violence, abuse and neglect, and their lifelong impact on children and families.