“We don't want to forget their names, we want their story to make an impact in our lives," said Beverly Engle, executive director of the center.
Candles were lit and the 11th statue was in the center's Memory Garden. The group sang together and offered each other support.
"The people that were here really are people that are wanting to stand up and say ‘This isn't okay, this isn't something that we want,’" said Megan Taylor, a counselor.
They also prayed, calling the young victim a little angel who lost her life through no fault of her own.
The center hopes to bring awareness most abused children are hurt by those they know.
"Identify those people in our children’s lives that could be harmful and deal appropriately with that and do what we can to protect them and keep them safe," Engle said.
Once the investigation is complete the CAC will place the little girl's name in their Memory Garden. This was the first time in two years the center has held a vigil of this kind in its memory garden.
For more about the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County visit their website: http://cacbentonco.com/
There's also a Children Emergency Shelter in Fort Smith. Learn more about the services they provide at http://www.childrensemergencyshelter.org/
If you believe a child is being abused call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-482-5964 or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.