The death of Aveion Lewis is a tragic story that is still the talk of the community. But at a child abuse forum Tuesdya night at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, there would be no talk of what happened to him.
Roanoke City Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Sandra Workman, who was involved in that case, said not discussing Aveion at the forum was unfortunate.
"He is kind of a 'touchtone' of child abuse in our valley right now. And I just don't know how you have a meaningful discussion, without addressing the issues that were brought up by his case,” says Workman.
A panel of some of people involved in the situation leading up to the toddler’s death, including director of the Roanoke Department of Social Services, Jane Conlin, would only talk about the issue of preventing child abuse in general terms. We asked the event coordinator about that decision.
“Because this really isn't the forum to do that. This forum is to look ahead, to look at preventing situations that have occurred not just with Avieon, but other children,” said Pam Kestner, the event organizer.
Some people we spoke to in the audience didn't want to talk on camera, but told us they wanted answers about how Aveion’s abuse could have been prevented, and the legal process involved.
“I think it is unfortunate, because I think that that case, in part, prompted this forum. And to specifically exclude any questions someone might have associated with that case, limited this forum and its effectiveness,” sas Workman.id
But discussions did focus on better ways to protect all children who need someone to stand up for them.
Clarification: Judge Philip Trompeter from the Roanoke County and Salem Juvenile and Domestic Courts was not involved in the Aveion Lewis case.
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