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Making a Difference, One Child at a Time
By Rebecca McCullough
Sexual and physical assaults are a major public health problem facing youth in today’s society.
Can any of us forget the shock of the rape of a 6-year old boy in the New Bedford Library in 2008? My heart went out to that young mother who took her eye off her son for just a moment while she was on the computer. She let her guard down thinking they were safe in a public library. In fact, it was an observant librarian that alerted the mother that something was wrong and whose quick action led to the apprehension of the predator, a known sex offender.
But stranger danger is not the norm.
In the general population, 77% of completed rapes are committed by someone who is known to the victim, but children are especially vulnerable. A shocking 90% of child victims know their perpetrator, which may be a relative, trusted family friend, neighbor, teacher or coach. Perpetrators use threats, bribes, promises and gifts to ensure the victim’s cooperation and silence.
Youth rarely lie about being sexually or physically assaulted. Therefore, it is important to listen and believe a child if they tell you they have been victimized. Parents, guardians and teachers need to remain vigilant and know what symptoms to look for that may indicate that a child is a victim of sexual or physical trauma.
There is help for children and families.
The Child & Adolescent Trauma Program (CATP) at The Women’s Center has been serving youth since 1997 and is funded by VOCA (Victims of Crime Act). The program treats client’s ages 1-18 years who have been traumatized by physical, sexual, and/or domestic violence. All services are free and confidential. The primary focus is direct services that include assessment, diagnosis, treatment with licensed child therapists, and additional supportive services when necessary. Treatment is child-specific depending on the degree of trauma, strengths, and needs. CATP staff utilizes expressive therapies like art, play therapy, and trauma-based cognitive behavioral therapy in treating young clients.
In addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual and physical assaults may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, major depression, homelessness, eating disorders and suicide. Counseling is necessary for children and adolescents to deal with and work through their respective trauma to get on to leading healthy, productive lives. The three CATP licensed child trauma clinicians work with children in our shelters and non-residential child victims.
Insurance is not accepted because research shows that co-pays can inhibit families from seeking help. The Child & Adolescent Trauma Program provides outreach and barrier-free, comprehensive treatment to child victims and non-offending caregivers. Services include therapeutic services to immigrant and non-English speaking children and “wrap-around” services to clients with multiple needs (e.g., housing, legal advocacy, medical advocacy). CATP clinicians also diagnose, treat, and advocate for children and their caregivers who suffer from mental disabilities, such as PTSD, Bi-Polar Disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, phobias and anxiety that either preceded or have been exacerbated by trauma.
The Women’s Center has strong connections in the community. Many agencies and community service providers depend on CATP as a referral source for their child clients. The program has an ongoing, positive relationship with the Bristol County DA’s Office, Bristol County Child Advocacy Center, DCF, the Center for Health & Human Services, Child & Family Services, area school departments, and police departments. CATP has also developed referral sources for psychiatric care and for neurological screenings at Southcoast Hospitals. These collaborative efforts streamline procedures for cross referral, case consultation and case management for families where trauma has occurred. The resulting “wrap around” care helps in making families become safer environments for children.
The Women’s Center has been helping victims of violence, abuse and trauma for 35 years. Community support and donations from individuals, private foundations and businesses help The Women’s Center fulfill its mission to empower and support positive choices for all, and to educate and take action in the community for the prevention of oppression and violence.
For more information about The Women’s Center programs and services, visit our website at www.thewomenscentersc.com or call 508-996-3343. If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-Hour Hotline at 508-999-6636.
Rebecca McCullough
If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour HOTLINE at 508-999-6636.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
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