Capsugel Supply Chain colleagues recently volunteered at the agency to paint our newly converted Animal Assisted Therapy “meet and greet” room where our clients will be introduced to the handler/animal team that will be participating as part of their therapy. Many thanks from the staff and clients for your support of our programs. Shown below are: Pauline, Debbie, and Andy
The National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and the FBI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help ensure that victimized children involved in federal investigations have access to a safe, child-focused interview environment and the critical treatment they need to heal. Dave Betz has been reaching out to all Children’s Advocacy Centers regarding their participation in the MOU, assessing their ability and willingness to assist the FBI. He is working region by region to gather this information. We’d like to thank the CACs of South Carolina for responding swiftly and supportively just before the holidays! Beyond Abuse has agreed to participate in this effort.
President Obama has signed legislation that will help states fund sexual abuse educational programs
Gillibrand, Heller and Feinstein’s Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act provides federal funding for schools to develop and implement or expand these programs for students, parents, and guardians. This bill funds school programs that provide age-appropriate lessons to primary and secondary school students on how to recognize and safely report sexual abuse. Twenty-six states, including South Carolina, have passed a version of “Erin’s Law,” legislation that requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education to students and professional development for school personnel. The Congressional action enables states to use some of the education funds they receive from the federal government for Child Sexual Abuse prevention education.
Beyond Abuse currently provides age appropriate education programs for all schools in our three county area that meet the criteria set forth in SC law.
Please contact the agency at 864 227 1623 if you are interested in learning more about the educational programs provided by Beyond Abuse.
Wishing a safe & healthy New Year to all!
Did you know January is Stalking Awareness Month?
Visit stalkingawarenessmonth.org for more information.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year, an average of approximately 63,000 children are victims of substantiated or indicated sexual abuse. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that one in nine girls and one in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult.
The House bill is a federal version of Erin’s Law, named after advocate Erin Merryn, a member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau and a survivor of child sexual abuse. Merryn and others advocated have successfully lobbied 26 states to pass Erin’s Laws. In the remaining states, the cost of such programs is often the biggest roadblock. The Congressional action enables states to use some of the education funds they receive from the federal government for this purpose.
“The passing of this bill it will make passing Erin’s Law in the remaining 24 states happen that much faster allowing millions more children to be educated on how to speak up instead of stay silent,” said Merryn.
Rebecca O’Connor, RAINN’s vice president for public policy said: “No child or parent should bear the pain of these unconscionable crimes. We are grateful to Congress for authorizing the use of federal dollars to support the creation and implementation of programs that will help stop childhood sexual abusers in their tracks and support those who are victimized.”
The provisions, which passed as part of S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, enjoy strong bipartisan and bicameral support. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dean Heller (R-NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Reps. Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Joe Heck (R-NV) circulated a letter to their Senate and House colleagues urging them to include the provisions. RAINN also submitted a letter of support co-signed by two dozen national and state advocates, including Merryn, the National Center for Victims of Crime; Darkness to Light; the National Children’s Alliance; Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE); RISE, and the Joyful Heart Foundation.
The measures were adopted with support of House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Joe Kline (R-MN) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA).
“The Senate has recognized the critical importance of teaching our children an age-appropriate understanding of sexual abuse – both how to recognize it and how to safely report it,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Funding for Erin’s Law programs will give schools the resources they need to teach children these necessary safety skills. It fills an important gap in our prevention and awareness work, and it will help make sure that schools are able to provide parents, guardians, and school personnel with the tools they need to help prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.”
Said Senator Dean Heller. “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in an environment free from abuse, which is why I am proud to work with Senators Gillibrand and Feinstein on this important issue.”
Rep. Clark said: “It is critical that every parent, teacher, and student knows how to prevent, recognize and report sexual abuse, and I am very pleased to see my Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act pass the House as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act,” said Clark. “This bill is an important step forward in giving school districts the tools that they need to keep our children safe.”
About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.
We hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Michael Cogdill, with News Channel Four, spoke at the Dec. 3rd, 2015 Show Your Strength Greenwood breakfast. Many thanks to Michael for increasing awareness of Domestic Violence by sharing his personal story of growing up in a Domestic Violence home.
Pictured with Michael are Cathy Miller, Executive Director with Beyond Abuse and Alice Hodges, Executive Director with Meg’s House who agencies are collaborating to engage men in prevention of violence against women and children.
‘Tis the Season to remember those less fortunate.
As we approach the end of 2015, remember that
YOU
can make a positive difference in the life of a child by making a year-end gift to Beyond Abuse.
Please see our donate tab on the home page.
This week we pause to give thanks for our dedicated staff, volunteers and Board Members who make such a difference in the lives of others. We are also thankful for the tremendous support we receive from our friends and neighbors in the community. Without you all, we would not be able to serve the victims of child abuse and sexual assault in Greenwood, Abbeville, and Laurens Counties. Happy Thanksgiving!
Town and Country Property Management employees volunteered at agency on Friday Nov.20, 2016 to make much needed repairs to the handicap ramp. They also replaced baseboard, patched drywall and repaired a broken lights. Many thanks to our friends at Town and Country, especially Wilson Bruce for hearing about our need and then acting on it. Pictured below are Steve, Brian, and Wilson.
Beyond Abuse is a 501(c)(3) organization that is working to eradicate sexual violence and child abuse in our community. Our community support is vital, and our partnerships are strong. We are making a difference, thanks to you.
Greenwood:
(864) 227-1623
contact@beyondabuse.info