Due to COVID-19 and stay home stay safe orders, Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center (HCCAC) and other organizations have had to cancel events and gatherings that would honor and bring awareness to our smallest victims. Although COVID-19 might
Although COVID-19 might have rescheduled the 9th annual Designer Purse Bingo until May 16th and the 2nd annual Shine for Advocacy recognition and awareness luncheon until June 11th, it will not stop the HCCAC from continuing to serve our families, help stop child abuse, and raise awareness.
The Center also responds to physical abuse cases, witnesses to a crime, and other serious maltreatment. HCCAC is Burnet County’s only not-for-profit organization that coordinates communication efforts with child protective services, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof. The Center continue to provide vital operations, even as this pandemic of the coronavirus impacts every facet of our communities. Executive Director Ken Nickel noted that additional strain and stress on families during this crisis put children at an increased risk of abuse.
HCCAC may have limited staff at the Center to help “flatten the curve”, but essential staff are still on call to perform forensic interviews, family advocacy, and medical exams. Therapists are continuing with clients in person and by phone and computers using telehealth technology to virtually meet with our clients.
Research indicates that child sexual abuse and all forms of abuse thrives in isolation. As necessary social distancing continues, the need for child sexual abuse investigations will undoubtedly grow in the coming weeks. HCCAC is, and will continue to be, an essential safety net as the next few months unfold.
Abuse is not inevitable. Kaylee Gaines, education and outreach coordinator, stated “Everyone can take action now to prevent child sexual abuse and intervene in concerning situations, this is a great time while you are home with your children to start the ongoing conversion.” Here are a few prevention tips for reducing the risk for child sexual abuse in a household during this time of shared spaces:
• The most important thing adults can do to reduce the risk of sexual abuse for children is to maintain open lines of communication. Encourage children to come to an adult at any time with concerns about others’ behavior, feelings of discomfort in the home, or sexual abuse. Adults must believe children. Use this extra time at home to discuss your openness and model assertive communication about boundaries. • Set a daily schedule so
• Set a daily schedule so that everyone knows what to expect and can anticipate what’s coming next. This consistency keeps everyone in the household accountable for their role throughout the day. It provides safety and comfort to kids who are vulnerable to abuse, it allows anyone who might be at risk of causing harm to be aware that you are paying attention, and it leaves less room for inappropriate behavior. Set rules or reinforce existing rules for boundaries and privacy around the house. An example of this is one person in the bathroom at a time, or expectations that everyone is keeping their hands to themselves.
• Now, more than ever, children are spending significant time online. It’s essential to have regular prevention conversations at an age-appropriate level.
• With schools and many daycares closed, reliable childcare is hard to come by! We recommend caution in allowing children to be cared for by just anyone, even in a pinch.
As always, it is our responsibility as adults to prevent child sexual abuse and intervene in concerning situations. If you suspect abuse, please call the state hotline at 1-800-252-5400. Please follow Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center on Facebook for more information and tips for families and caregivers throughout the month of April. Our hearts and thoughts go
Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people who have been affected by this unprecedented event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and our communities who are on the front line working to contain the coronavirus.