The Heavy Side of What I Do – And an Uplifting Way For Us to Help Prevent It!
With school closing for an extended break, and families all together, sometimes the ugly parts of what I do come floating to the surface, in particular child abuse. There is always a rise in abuse when children are home for prolonged periods, we saw a very distinct rise in abuse during the shutdown. Child abuse can be more than physical abuse. It can be emotional, sexual or neglect. Teachers and therapists are mandatory reporters, and often the ones on the front lines making calls, so when children aren’t regularly in school or at their doctor appointments it’s harder for them to see signs. Abusers are often the last people you expect them to be. They are often victims of abuse themselves.
I do a lot of private representations of the non-abusive parent in child abuse cases. It is the toughest thing I do. There are often civil components that need to be filed that counsel is not appointed for in these cases, that aren’t filed by the Department of Social Services. Additionally, court appointed resources are so low due to attorney shortages. It’s so heart wrenching and emotionally challenging to represent clients in these cases. It triggers every emotion I have. But it is impossible for the courts and Department of Social Services to do it alone, and I feel compelled to help children and families as much as I can.
What can you do to help? This part is much easier – attend an uplifting party and fundraiser.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children is hosting Banding Together on February 1, 2025 a hip Gala Benefit Concert that uses the funds raised to help End Child Abuse.
The gala is Glam Rock, so think jeans, sequins and leather. This is a casual, fun attire Gala featuring music from Blue North and Guilty Ghost!
The Center for Alexandria's Children provides practical tools and programs, comprehensive community resources, and works with different local agencies as one team to advocate on behalf of Alexandria's children. It is a safe place where kids and teenagers talk about things that have happened to them.
The CAC brings together a Multi-Disciplinary Team of police, social workers, therapists, medical teams, advocates and lawyers to investigate reports of abuse or crimes against kids.The CAC’s Family Advocate welcomes children and families and serves as a primary contact for them as they move through the interview, investigation, possible prosecution and treatment processes. They are trained in the dynamics of abuse and experienced with the resources available to assist children and families on the path from disclosure through treatment.
I hope you’ll join us on February 1!
– Katelin
