- Lenore Hetrick

Hello Friends,

During the month of April, you may have noticed a little extra blue around town and/or your social media to signify that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Whether it be blue ribbons, pinwheels, blue lights, blue kid signs; all an attempt to raise awareness and continue the conversation around child abuse.

The importance of awareness and education of child abuse is multi-layered. We continue to work towards providing education to children, caregivers, and the community about what exactly child abuse is and what to do if you experience it or witness it. This is a constant and evolving mission. Research shows that sexual abuse is decreasing overall in the United States, however, caseloads at CACs continue to climb. What might this mean? With this awareness comes more intervention. Kids learn at school that some kinds of touches need to be reported to a trusted adult. Adults learn that they don't have to have proof of abuse to report it, merely suspect it and report. The community learns that it is their responsibility to not look the other way when a child discloses abuse or they see or hear something that doesn't feel right. It is all of our responsibility to listen, learn and look after the children in our community.

Another important aspect of discussing Child Abuse is that adults that were abused as children can feel supported when and if they choose to disclose, knowing that they are not alone.  About 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday and the average age at the time of reporting child sex abuse is about 52 years. (Read: Delayed Disclosure: A fact sheet based on cutting-edge research on child sexual abuse disclosure)

Let's say that again, 52 years is the average time it takes for victims to disclose abuse. There are so many reasons for these delays; shame, embarrassment, fear, protection of others, guilt, the list goes on. When we educate, we also help to remove barriers for disclosure so that people can get the help and support that they need to heal.

Here is a great resource from our friends at RAINN for what to do when someone discloses sexual abuse: Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault

Thank you to the CACI staff, CACI board of directors, CAC staff and MDT members who participated in the social media campaign this April which included "Why we do what we do" along with childhood pictures. My heart filled with each post. Thank you to everyone reading this newsletter and putting in the work to make sure that kids are protected from harm.

Let's continue to pull the curtain back on child sexual abuse, not just in April, but all through the year.

Thanks and take care,

Kim

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Homeland Security is hosting a training May 10th 9-12 PM titled Prepare and Predict Method: Presenting Evidence in the Forensic Interview. This training allows FI to prepare victims for the evidence that will be presented to them in the FI process, while providing them an opportunity to predict what it is they are about to see and/or discuss with the FI. Here is the link for registration Prepare and Predict

The MDT Coordinator Roundtable is coming up, May 19th 10-11:30 Am giving your MDT's the opportunity to network, assist one another and discuss how to overcome challenges. Here is where your MDT's can register here MDT Coordinator Roundtable

The Collaborate Forum is being offered bi-monthly for all CAC staff. The next forum May 21st 9-10:00 AM. This is an opportunity for Collaborate users to network, assist one another with overcoming challenges and share ideas. Here is the link for those interested in registering here Collaborate Forum

June 15, 2021. This two-day training aims to enhance previously acquired forensic interviewing skills by addressing challenges related to reluctance and the variety of ways in which youth who have experienced or witnessed maltreatment present. Register for Interviewing Beyond Sexual Abuse training here.

CAC Directors, if you have any questions reach out to Misty Marinier or visit the IJOA website here.