In observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, child advocacy centers like Dawson Place are amplifying efforts to shed light on the profound impact of child abuse within our communities. Every child deserves a nurturing environment and a supportive community, as they represent the future we aspire to build together. On April 27th, 2024, Dawson Place is collaborating with over 20 organizations to showcase the collective work dedicated to fostering a safe environment for our communities.
Interested in learning more about our Super Kids Resource Fair? Click here!
Even seemingly small actions, such as liking or sharing our content on social media, play a crucial role in expanding the reach of our information and services. April 5th marks Wear Blue Day, a reminder to show solidarity and advocate for the prevention of child abuse, sparking important conversations in the process.
Read more about Wear Blue Day here!
Despite misconceptions, the sobering reality is that 90% of offenders are someone the child knows, loves, and trusts. It is the responsibility of adults to safeguard children and youth, ensuring their protection without burdening them with the responsibility.
Do you know what child grooming is? Refresh your mind on the topic here.
In our efforts to raise awareness, we encourage community members to display yard signs and pinwheels, symbols of support for child abuse prevention. The color blue serves as a national emblem for this cause, and we urge everyone to actively participate in reinforcing the essential services provided by their local child advocacy center.
Materials available for download.
In Snohomish County, Dawson Place has served on average over 1,000 children a year. Despite the high number of clients served, there still remain over 200 children who have yet to benefit from our services. This could be attributable to various factors, including reluctance to speak up, societal taboos, and lack of awareness among victims.
Together, let us bridge this gap and extend a helping hand to all children in need. As adults, it is our duty to protect and nurture future generations, ensuring they inherit a world free from harm and filled with opportunity. Join us in advocating the cause of child abuse prevention and creating a safer, brighter future for all.
Want to spark a conversation? Visit a local coffee shop that is hosting our coffee sleeves the week of April 22nd! Share on your socials!
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Happy New Year to all the parents out there! Let’s kick off the year with family centered resolutions! Create a healthy relationship and nurturing environment for our children by considering these mindful parenting resolutions for the new year!
1. Foster Healthy Communication with Families
Communication with your kids should not solely be about their chores or homework. Try to incorporate talks about dreams, fears, and all the random things! Even if your teenager is not up to talk, show engagement through descriptive commenting. Ask your kids what they would like to talk about.
Learn more about conversation starters!
2. Importance of Education
Every child deserves time for exploration. Share the importance of education through new hobbies, reading together, or even watching fun documentaries on developmentally appropriate topics. What are they invested in? Why? Become genuinely invested in their interests and encourage curiousity in a healthy manner.
3. Cultivate Joy
Creating a nurturing home can make a significant difference. Whether it is celebrating small achievements or reminding your kids that you care, make it your mission to cultivate joy. Dive into creating a positive home with a growth mindset.
Read more about a growth mindset.
4. Promote Healthy Eating
Healthy eating can look a variety of ways. Perhaps fruits and veggies are being eaten, but there is a fear of gaining weight. Promote eating to fuel the body with nutrients necessary to be their best. Food also impacts moods and emotions so think about how your family fuels their bodies!
Every year brings a new resolution. Some that we break and some that we continue. Let’s make this year’s resolution a family motivation for healthy family relationships with these Mindful Parenting Resolutions for the New Year!
Want to read more blogs? Click here!
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It was difficult to come forward at first because I felt like it could have been my fault and the unknown of what would happen.
-Former Client at Dawson Place CAC
Every day at Dawson Place there are around 20 new faces walking through the doors. Feelings of anger, confusion, and sadness burdening most of them. This is my story as a client and survivor. My story as a client of Dawson Place.*
What services did you receive at Dawson Place?
Services that I received and used at Dawson Place were counseling, interview specialist, victim advocates, and I also met with law enforcement and prosecutors. Dawson Place was a safe and supportive place for me to be while I was working through a very disturbing time in my life. I felt validated and believed by everyone I met there.
As I mentioned, I met a lot of staff and did not know if the next person I met would judge me or even believe what I went through. Even the interview specialist was warm, and I felt comfortable telling her my story. It could have been the dogs that made me feel comfortable. I really loved them. They made a big difference in helping me feel at ease during the interview.
Throughout my time at Dawson Place, I received TF-CBT. The therapist always found ways to help get what was on my mind out and help me find ways to cope with my memories and emotions. Therapy is a big key to working through trauma and being able to move forward. From being a victim to helping me become a survivor of my story.
During the Process
Prior to my own experience, a family member had received services at Dawson Place, so I had some familiarity with the interview and therapy process. My family was supportive throughout, ensuring I attended appointments, participating in exercises with my therapist, and accepting me as I worked through my emotions. Though I sometimes dreaded appointments due to the difficult memories and emotions I had to confront, each session left me feeling a little lighter.
My victim advocate was with me throughout the whole legal process, she was wonderful and explained all the steps, kept us informed of progress, attended all of the legal proceedings with my family, and the meetings with the prosecutors.
It was difficult to come forward at first because I felt like it could have been my fault and the unknown of what would happen.
Even though this was a difficult experience for me, and I would not want any child to go through this, it has made me stronger, and I have empathy for those who are suffering around me. I want there to be more awareness about child abuse and services that are available to those who are going through it. That is why I chose to host an awareness night for Dawson Place for my Eagle Scout project in 2019.
Why are you choosing to share this with us and the community?
I think if more victims and survivors knew about Dawson Place, that it is a safe place where they are met with open arms, support, and belief, it would help them come forward. After my experience at Dawson Place, it has created a desire for me to give back and serve my community and go into Law Enforcement.
Going through the motions of the advocacy center, made me stronger and helped me find safety, justice and healing.
Where do I find a CAC near me?
Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center serves Snohomish County, but other child advocacy centers are located throughout the nation. Find your nearest CAC at the link provided below to know the resources in your community.
https://www.nationalcac.org/find-a-cac/
*Client’s name has been kept anonymous for privacy purposes
Donate today to keep services free for families like this. Lessen the burden of finances for those facing the unforgettable.
Explore additional healing stories from our clients at Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center and learn about the positive effects of our continued efforts.
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Child abuse is a deeply distressing trauma that affect countless community members in Snohomish County and the rest of the country. However, there are several groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, that faces uniquely challening experiences. Delve into the understanding of why it might feel different for members of this community to speak up if they have been abused.
Understand the Scope: Statistics show that there is a high number of LGBTQIA+ community members that fall victims of abuse. According to the Trevor Project and other national child abuse resources, youth that consider themselves to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community face a significantly higher amount of abuse. Encountering a large range of abuse that includes physical harm due to their identity and more can lead to greater mental health concerns.
Factors Contributing to the Abuse: Discrimination, prejudice, and social stigma remain promiment in parts of the nation and this can put these youth at higher risk of harm. Many LGBTQIA+ youth face rejection from their family and can increase their risk for abuse and neglect.
Lack of Support Systems: As mentioned, many youth are rejected by their family afer coming out or sharing who they are. This can lead them to find themselves in sticky situations. The limited support that some members of this community might face might be a deep sense of isolation, rejection, and more.
Let’s Empower ALL Youth: Although everyone’s beliefs may vary, it is crucial that we come together to keep our youth safe. Help us create a safe place for youth regardless of their identity. Combat child abuse for every child, because no child deserves to be left neglected, disrespected, and harmed.
For more information go to: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/new-samhsa-report-underscores-the-harms-of-conversion-therapy-importance-of-affirmation-for-lgbtq-young-peoples-mental-health/
#youthsupport #supportall #childadvocacy #advocate #healing #justice #safety #pridemonth #lgbtqia+ #teenagers #teens
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In our community, strangulation is often misunderstood as choking – but its cases have increased, and it’s important we recognize that only 10% of lethal strangulations have physical markings. Don’t be in the dark – #KnowTheDifference!
Having an understanding of the true meaning of strangulation and being able to recognize its signs and symptoms on both ourselves and others can be beneficial. The incidence of strangulation cases in our county has been on the rise, with some individuals using it as a form of sexual stimulation and others holding “choking challenges”. It is crucial for our community to understand the serious consequences of such actions.
Strangulation, unlike choking, refers to the obstruction of blood vessels and/or air passages in the neck due to the application of external pressure. Forensic Nurse Practitioner, Paula Newman-Skomski, shared with local agencies at Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center, what the effects of strangulation are causing and what we are seeing in Snohomish County.
“It is a serious act, and it can be brushed off by victims because there are no visible marks”- Paula Newman-Skomski
There is not enough research to support exactly what percentage of strangulation victims have visible marks, but it can be about 50% of victims that result in visible markings. To visualize how easy it can be to accidently harm someone during the act of strangulation, think about opening a can of soda. This act takes about 20 lbs of pressure to do, while only placing 11 lbs of pressure on both carotid arteries can cause a victim to fall unconscious.
Victims might not say anything, because “[they] were just upset”. Because “there were no visible marks”. But it can be crucial for victims to seek medical attention. With strangulation, there can be delayed symptoms or even death.
Symptoms of strangulation aside from potential visible markings, include headaches, dizziness, faded vision, loss of memory and more. There can also be markings within the mouth, such as the inner lip, or petechiae, small red spots on the face, ears, or scalp.
Know that you are not alone, and all states have passed felony laws related to strangulation.
“Take strangulation reports very seriously”- Paula Newman-Skomski
If you or someone you know is being abused, report it. Seek medical assistance and call 911. No one should live in fear.
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Your voice is powerful and can be used in so many ways to prevent child abuse. If you suspect abuse is happening, speak up and tell someone who can help end the abuse. Call 911 to report abuse to your local law enforcement agency.
You can also continue the conversation about child abuse prevention. Share prevention tips with your coworkers, family, and friends, gather your workplace for a training, host a fundraiser in honor of a local child advocacy center, or share information on child abuse prevention on social media channels.
Read below for more ways you can raise awareness this child abuse prevention month!
Share the knowledge.
Ending child abuse, sexual assault, and neglect starts with you. Not all children will show the same signs of abuse but learning the common signs of child abuse can be the difference in a child’s life. Common signs include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, reverting to childhood behaviors, changes in eating and sleeping habits, changes in school performance and attendance, lack of personal care and hygiene, risky behaviors, inappropriate sexual behaviors, fear or going home, and extreme behaviors.
Learn more about these signs of abuse
Continue the conversation by attending a workshop or training.
At Dawson Place we offer several trainings to help prevent abuse in our communities. Sign up for one of our trainings or set up a training for your workplace or community group! Our staff offers Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children training that prepare community members with the tools needed to prevent abuse.
Learn more about our trainings and workshops
Use your voice appropriately.
A crucial moment in ending abuse is the moment after a child discloses abuse to you. This moment can be scary and overwhelming for everyone involved, but it is up to all of us to be prepared in the event a child or young person confides in us about their abuse. It is imperative to stay calm, reassure the child you believe them and that the abuse they have experienced is not okay and not their fault. Be sure to take notes about what they share, but don’t ask too many questions. Immediately report the abuse by calling 911 and make sure the child receives the necessary services to end the abuse and heal.
Learn more about what to do when a child discloses abuse
Discuss and develop new parenting skills.
Frustration is a common feeling that comes with parenting along with confusion, anger, and of course moments of joy. Post COVID the world is not what it looked like before and the effects on children are starting to be noticed. Build your toolbox with more skills and approaches when being met with new challenges. Read, learn, and share at a local parenting group or program regardless of how well or how poorly you feel your parenting is going.
Read about our parenting program
Voice your donation.
Share at dinner, on social media, or meetings that you donated to your local child advocacy center. They too can can help continue the support for children, youth, and families that have been victims of abuse. Because of you and your kind donation, advocacy centers like us can continue to provide services at little or no cost.
Spread the word about Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center’s Fair
At the end of April, Dawson Place is hosting a community resource fair otherwise known as our “Super Kids Community Resource Fair!” Join us to learn about your local resources and get a fun face painting! The goal for our fair is to bring families and community members together in order to break the silence. No child or family should go through a difficult time alone. So bring your cape, a smile, and be ready for a great time!
Want to share on social media? View our materials!
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]]>Social media has allowed us to connect with friends and family throughout global pandemics and more! While there are several positive impacts that we can discuss regarding social media, we cannot dismiss the fact that it can be a scary place for our youth.
Detectives are inundated with social media cases, including blackmail, with children and teens. This topic does not only affect a certain economic standpoint, but everyone with access to digital devices. With the amount of usage children and youth need for school, it can be difficult to deny tech in the home. What we can do is promote safe usage of these devices and social media platforms.
As mentioned by SafeWise, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators are all threats that our youth can face while on the internet. With more than 36% of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 being bullied online at some point. Do you as a parent or caregiver know how to block a bully? With more kids using online chats, whether that is on their video games, social media, or other platforms, it can be important to have conversations with our children about what to do in these situations.
Learn about the apps your child is utilizing. Does it have safety and privacy features that they should have on?
Online predators can play off being a teenager after researching day in and day out about the social circle that a teen is in. A hacker or predator can easily find information on a teen’s family, friends, or community and can use this information to connect with the teen. While this seems like something that might not happen to your teen, it is happening more and more, and it is important to allow for open communication with your teenager about who and what it is they are talking about on their phones.
Be a good role model! Use social media in a positive way. Do not overshare or shame others.
For younger children, it can be easy to come across inappropriate content on social media like TikTok or other platforms. Graphic imagery that may be sexual or violent can pop up on a child’s feed without even being searched for. Focusing on prevention as early as possible to not fall victim to these internet pitfalls can be crucial for our growing generations.
Have you established rules around digital devices?
Resources
Prevention is the key and carrying conversations around these topics can be crucial. Learn more by reading tips and tricks as well as taking a free online course around online safety by Monique Burr.
https://www.mbfpreventioneducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/SB-Digital-Safety_18-19.pdf
https://childsafetymattersedu.org/#/online-courses/dd1d8da0-0221-4ec2-a458-e246649cf629
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Child grooming is a deliberate process by which offenders gradually initiate and maintain sexual relationships with victims in secrecy. – Darkness to Light
90% of child abuse victims are abused by someone they know and trust. Grooming of a child happens in stages to build the trust of a child and family. From the outside, the relationship between the offender and child appears to be a close and caring relationship. Knowing the stages is imperative to recognizing the signs and ending the abuse.
Target the Child – Child predators look for a child’s perceived vulnerabilities, these could include neglect, a difficult home life, isolation, in need of emotional support, etc. They take to these potential vulnerabilities and begin to pay special attention or preference to the victim. Be sure to stay involved in your child’s online world, as many child predators find victims on social media networks, gaming sites, and messaging apps.
Gain Trust – Most often, child groomers are those who are trusted by the family or community, such as teachers, church leaders, coaches, or family friends. They work to gain the trust of not only the child, but also the family. This trust allows them to begin to gain access to the child through what appears to be care and support. They will begin to get close to the child, understand what they may need, and learn about their feelings. Pay attention to those who appear to offer extra support or gifts for your family, especially if it includes your children.
Giving Gifts and Extra Attention – Now that the child offender has created a relationship with the child and family, they will begin to have a more prominent relationship in the child’s life. They may give gifts, extra compliments, and help meet the child’s needs. From the outside, this is often perceived as extra care and affection for the child.
Isolation – The offender will begin to create situations that allow the child to be alone with them. This could include special trips, babysitting, private coaching, etc. In this one-on-one time, they will begin to create the perceived idea that they are the only one who understands each other and that they are the only one who truly cares for the child.
Sexualizing the Relationship – It is not until this trust in the child and family is gained that they begin to progressively sexualize the relationship. This can occur in several ways from taking pictures, talking, introducing sexual concepts, creating “games” to introduce sexual situations, etc. They will exploit the child’s natural curiosity, along with the trust in the relationship.
Maintaining Control – After sexualizing the relationship, the offender will use emotional manipulation to keep the child from talking about their situation. They continue to isolate the child and make them feel they are the only ones who can understand their needs and feelings, they may threaten them or their family if the relationship was exposed.
If you notice any of the stages of grooming, it is imperative to step in. This can look different depending on your relationship with the victim. As a parent, it is important to set family rules about how other adults may interact with your child; if someone breaks these family rules be sure to have a conversation with both the offender and the child about how these are not acceptable behaviors. These rules could include: not accepting gifts outside of holidays/birthdays, having a parent present at all functions including not allowing the child to go places alone with another adult, giving the child control of who they hug and when, etc.
As a community member, you can stay aware of the adults around you and notice if they may present red flag behaviors. If you see a behavior that could potentially lead to grooming or is grooming, be sure to share with the parent or caregiver of the child. Additionally, we can all continue to bring awareness to child grooming and how we can prevent it.
Learn more from Darkness to Light!
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Grab your capes!
One of the best ways you can prevent child abuse is to use your greatest superpower, your voice. In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is time to learn how you can use your voice to help victims of child abuse and their families!
1 in 10 will be a victim of sexual abuse by the age of 18, and 1 in 7 children will be a victim of physical abuse. These numbers are staggering, but we can all help prevent child abuse in our communities.
Check out these four simple steps to how you can use your voice and prevent abuse.
Use your voice.
Your voice is powerful and can be used in so many ways to prevent child abuse. If you suspect abuse is happening, speak up and tell someone who can help end the abuse. Call 911 to report abuse to your local law enforcement agency.
You can also continue the conversation about child abuse prevention. Share prevention tips with your coworkers, family, and friends, gather your workplace for a training, host a fundraiser in honor of a local child advocacy center, or share information on child abuse prevention on social media channels.
Learn the signs of child abuse and share your knowledge with your community.
Ending child abuse, sexual assault, and neglect starts with you. Not all children will show the same signs of abuse but learning the common signs of child abuse can be the difference in a child’s life. Common signs include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, reverting to childhood behaviors, changes in eating and sleeping habits, changes in school performance and attendance, lack of personal care and hygiene, risky behaviors, inappropriate sexual behaviors, fear or going home, and extreme behaviors.
Learn more about these signs of abuse
Attend a prevention training to continue the conversation.
At Dawson Place we offer several trainings to help prevent abuse in our communities. Sign up for one of our trainings or set up a training for your workplace or community group! Our staff offers Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children training that prepare community members with the tools needed to prevent abuse.
We also offer a FREE 16-week Incredible Years Parenting class. This course gives parents and caretakers important skills to parenting that help keep kids safe.
Learn more about our trainings and workshops
Know what to do when a child discloses abuse.
A crucial moment in ending abuse is the moment after a child discloses abuse to you. This moment can be scary and overwhelming for everyone involved, but it is up to all of us to be prepared in the event a child or young person confides in us about their abuse. It is imperative to stay calm, reassure the child you believe them and that the abuse they have experienced is not okay and not their fault. Be sure to take notes about what they share, but don’t ask too many questions. Immediately report the abuse by calling 911 and make sure the child receives the necessary services to end the abuse and heal.
Learn more about what to do when a child discloses abuse
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February is Black History Month – a time to honor, celebrate, and learn more about Black history and culture.
This month, we would like to raise awareness for the disproportionate number of African American victims of child abuse and neglect. In 2014, African American Children experienced child abuse or neglect that led to fatalities at a rate two and a half times great than white or Hispanic children, according to The Black Child Legacy Campaign. Not only this, African American children are approximately 30% of the reported child abuse and neglect fatalities, while only making up about 16% of the U.S. child population.
These numbers are staggering.
When we look beyond these numbers, we see an even larger problem at hand – the prolonged effects of child abuse on individuals and communities, in this case specifically Black communities that are disproportionally affected by child abuse and neglect.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur to a child before the age of 18, the formative years of an individual’s brain. Child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault are considered an Adverse Childhood Experience. ACEs create lifelong physical and mental health conditions, along with other impacts to daily life from job retention, substance abuse disorders, and an inability to appropriately respond to stress. These experiences can put communities at a disadvantage for growing and prospering.
By helping to prevent child abuse, you are not only helping children and victims, but also helping to lift Black communities.
Here are a few ways you can take part in child abuse prevention:
Raise awareness for resources for victims and families. Child abuse victims who receive the necessary services and care to heal are less likely to continue the cycle of abuse. If you or someone you love has experienced abuse, contact Dawson Place today (455-789-3000).
Attend a training. At Dawson Place, we offer child abuse prevention trainings for community members. Check out our events page or contact us if you would like to attend one with a group of family or friends.
Know the signs of abuse. By knowing the signs of abuse, you can help stop it. Learn the signs.
Learn the facts about child abuse. There are lots of myths about child abuse,, these myths hinder a child’s ability to receive help during a crisis and stops adults from recognizing warning signs. Learn 5 common myths about child abuse.
Sources:
https://blackchildlegacy.org/resources/child-abuse-and-neglect/
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