The mother of a beating victim is calling on parents to help stop the violence in Newark.

Tamika Darden said her son was afraid to tell her he was beaten up. ?He didn?t tell me what happened to him because these kids are so scared?with all this gang stuff,? Darden said. Eventually, Darden?s 12-year-old son, Ty-Mik, told her he was attacked outside of the Branch Brook Roller Rink on Clifton Avenue.

Darden is involved in anti-violence work and is now pleading with parents to join her cause.

?Step up to the plate and be parents,? Darden said. ?These are our kids. We can?t keep pushing them to the wayside. We can?t act like we don?t know what?s going on with them.?

Darden is planning a rally Saturday, July 21 at noon to encourage parents to be involved in the fight against violence. The rally will be held at the corner of Seventh and Clifton avenues.