A report of child sexual abuse is made every 10 seconds in the United States. That’s 86,400 reports each day. In the Greater Rochester area alone, more than 2,000 children were evaluated for abuse – 75 percent being concerns of sexual abuse – at Bivona Child Advocacy Center in 2017. That’s the equivalent of 45 school buses full of community children, in just one year.
Since 2014, Causewave Community Partners and Bivona Child Advocacy Center have been leading the regional charge on the prevention of child sexual abuse through “Be Brave for Kids” – a community-wide initiative that raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse. Joining this effort are representatives from law enforcement, Child Protective Services, area school districts, faith leaders, and local youth organizations.
The “Be Brave for Kids” coalition has launched a new online community resource, BeBraveForKids.org, that provides confidential access to valuable information about the signs and symptoms of abuse, support for families and survivors, and details about the reporting process. The website builds upon the strategy and messaging of the original “Be Brave for Kids” campaign, and addresses the questions and fears people have when they suspect something is not right.
“Research tells us that nearly 70 percent of area residents are confident they’d know what to do to report child sexual abuse,” explains Todd Butler, president and CEO at Causewave Community Partners. “But because most adults don’t know all the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse, it’s easy to miss important signals and abuse goes unreported. Many well-intentioned adults second-guess themselves, struggle with whether they have enough ‘proof’ to report a suspicion, or worry ‘What if I’m wrong?’ We’re here to ask, ‘But what if you’re right?’ and provide clear, accurate information that will empower adults to take the next step, if necessary.”
Deb Rosen, executive director of Bivona Child Advocacy Center, emphasizes the urgency for adults to understand the prevalence of abuse. “We all share the responsibility to protect our community’s children. One in ten children in the United States will be abused before they turn 18, and 90 percent of children who experience abuse know their abuser. Yet only 15 percent of area residents believe that abuse happens in neighborhoods like their own. Unfortunately, abuse takes place in all of our local neighborhoods, villages and towns. The good news is – we can all do something about it.”
The new “Be Brave for Kids” website addresses myths about child abuse, answers frequently asked questions, provides opportunities for residents to get involved, and breaks down the reporting process for both concerned community members and mandated reporters – those adults who are legally obligated to report suspicions due to their professions or volunteer training. The timing of the new website is important as a new academic year will begin this week.
“Reporting suspicions about child sexual abuse can be intimidating for anyone – from trained educators to volunteer summer soccer coaches,” Rosen states. “That’s why this new website is such a critical resource for everyone who interacts with kids. With access to the right information and professionals to assist, each of us can make a positive impact and protect children from child sexual abuse.”
To learn more about “Be Brave for Kids” visit BeBraveForKids.org.
Provided information
