· Child abuse is reported once every 10 seconds.

· 3 children die each day from child abuse.

· Boys and girls are equally likely to be abused.

· 75% of children who die from child abuse are under the age of 4.

· 34% of those who sexually abuse children are family members.

· 59% of those who sexually abuse children are friends and acquaintances.

What We Do

Services

Child-friendly Environment

· There is an observable difference when children and their families are served in a child friendly environment.

· "This was fun, can I come back tomorrow?" -child victim's statement after forensic interview.

  Forensic Interview

· Conducted by professionally trained, experienced child interviewer.

· Objective, neutral, non-leading interviews that bear scrutiny from outside agencies.

· State of the art recording equipment to decrease the number of child interviews, thus lessening the re-traumatization of the child.

Advocacy

· The child and family are supported from the very beginning of child's disclosure, through the investigation and judicial phases and through recovery.

· Families are referred to needed community resources (housing, mental and medical health services, victim's compensation)

· Liaison between agencies, service providers and the family.

Prevention

· Facilitate Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children.

· A child sexual abuse prevention curriculum geared towards adults that work with children.

· The WKCAC staff is available to speak to service groups or at   community events.

Multi-Disciplinary Team

· The MDT approach fosters collaborative efforts.

· Increases the safety, services and support to the child and    family.

· Increases conviction rates of perpetrators.

· Includes: Law Enforcement, SRS, County Attorney, Forensic Interviewer, Victim Advocate, Medical and Mental Health and others related to the case.

Medical and Mental Health

· Refer child victim's for SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exams for medical assessment and documentation

· Provide trauma focused therapy and make referrals to local mental health providers.  

Extended Forensic Evaluation

· Six session model for sub-set of children.

Allows more time for assessment, rapport building and fact finding.

Western Kansas

Child Advocacy

Center