May 4, 2018
We restore hope to abused or traumatized children and their families.
Before the Center was formed, child abuse victims were often re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them. Children were re-traumatized when they were interviewed multiple times by several different adults. Interviews would take place at the police station, emergency room, professional offices, and even at the very location where the abuse occurred, all of which could be very scary places to a frightened child. Consequently, children would often recant their story or refuse to cooperate which would stifle the investigation.
Through the establishment of the BCCAC, the Team response to allegations and the mission of the center is able to be met. Through the interviewing, counseling, and medical services provided, along with the increased team collaboration and response in working child abuse cases, there will be an increase in the number of child abuse cases that are successfully prosecuted. This is largely due to the fact that when the team works together, the child victim is not interviewed multiple times, case management is effective in helping access services to meet the child’s needs, and the disposition of the case is swifter. Since these services will be provided at a single, child-friendly location, the child is generally more cooperative because he or she simply feels safer.
The Center’s impact on the children served and community as a whole can be unlimited. Primary prevention education activities will reveal cases of attempted abuse that were stopped because a child had the knowledge and skills to protect him/herself and ask for help. Children who have been abused or are being abused will be provided a safe place to talk about their “secret” and be protected from further harm. Studies have revealed that without intervention, the abuse of the child will continue.
Located at The Lily Barn
Friday, May 4 - 6 -10pm
Contact: (865) 981-2000
Website: www.blountkids.org