JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The sexual abuse of a 7-year-old girl was the focus of a march in Jackson Township Friday.

The offenses took place years ago, but the mother of the girl still wants change to protect other northeast Ohio children, reported NewsChannel5's Pete Kenworthy.

More than 100 people took part in the March To Protect Children, focusing on safety on school buses.

Bernadine Wade planned the march to send a message that what happened to her daughter, nicknamed Ne Ne, was preventable.

"Nov. 19, I got a phone call from the school counselor that my daughter had been raped repeatedly and having oral sex with a 17-year-old," said Wade. "She has been being raped for over a year and I hit the floor, screaming and crying."

Ne Ne was 7 years old at the time, riding in a school van and struggling with ADHD, seizures and behavioral problems.

"He made her do stuff that no 7-year-old child should have ever did. If I wanted to get graphic with you, it would probably make you sick on the stomach," Wade said.

The offender eventually pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition and served time, but the people who took part in the march have a bigger issue than what happened to Ne Ne.

State Rep. Michael Debose has introduced House Bill 426. It would require the school bus or van driver to be responsible to maintain control of the students on the bus.

If not, school districts and drivers could be held liable for injuries, death or loss to person or property.

It's currently in the hands of the state government and elections committee.