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As we move quickly back to business in 2018, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the tremendous work achieved in 2017. Celebrating our 20th anniversary allowed us
the opportunity to look not, only at the growth we have had as an organization, but the impact we have made to the Cape & Islands community.
Since 1997, Children's Cove has worked with the professionals in the District Attorney's office, all police departments, the Department of Children and Families, Cape Cod Healthcare and countless community and mental health service agencies to provide the most professional and victim focused response to child sexual abuse. We have served more than 5,000 children and families since we have opened our doors, working with families during one of the most difficult times in their lives to help provide hope and healing.
We have strengthened our partnerships with agencies dedicated to ending child sexual abuse in our community, and providing the most victim-focused and trauma-informed response to those impacted. We have organized a network of trauma-informed therapists to provide therapy not only to the child and youth victims, but to their non-offending family members as well, recognizing that the child is not the only one harmed by child sexual abuse. We have provided countless hours of free training to numerous collateral agencies including law enforcement, medical services, private and public schools, local colleges, community organizations, faith organizations, clubs, community centers, and concerned citizens.
We now look forward with so much left to do. Child sexual abuse still effects 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys before their 18th birthday. Disclosure rates of abuse are tragically low, only 1 in 10. Our commitment to providing comprehensive supports and services to the children, youth and families has never been stronger, and we are dedicated to raising awareness to our community and providing prevention education to the community to help end child sexual abuse in our community.
We look forward to working with you all in making 2018 a year of hope, healing and support for the children, youth and families we will serve this year. Children's Cove will always be a place of support, kindness and compassion for child and youth victims ready to step forward to tell their story and find their healthiest outcome.
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