There have been some of the worst cases of child abuse in central Illinois in the news lately. The Benjamin Sargent case in February, where authorities say a 5-month-old baby was left strapped in his car seat eight days without food.

And this past weekend's case, where police say 22-year old Timothy Johnston kicked a three-year-old in the genitals and slapped his face.

Currently, there are 1,179 child abuse and neglect cases pending in Peoria County.

Today, a group trying to raise awareness of child abuse joined hands with those in law enforcement, the judicial system, child advocates and concern citizens.

Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy said it is time for abuse and neglect to end. He says it is a top law enforcement priority.

Patti Morris with the Center for Prevention of Abuse says it is important for people to report abuse so those children can be help. She says children face abuse on the Internet and from those they know.

"It's about helping the children and making people aware of the risks and the kinds of things that put them at high risks. It is not just strangers; it is often times people closest to them and that the most important thing people need to know," said Morris.

This is the situation in the weekend abuse case involving Timothy Johnston. He was babysitting his girlfriend's three-year-old boy when police say he abused the child