It’s a job that shouldn’t have to exist.

Advocating on behalf of children who have experienced violence or abuse is a devastating necessity.

We in Lexington County are lucky to have the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center working to help children heal from the worst kinds of trauma.

The DCAC is one of only 17 children advocacy centers in South Carolina. They work with local law enforcement to collect victim statements and conduct medical exams.

Most importantly, they give children a place to finally feel safe.

“We provide a place for children to have a voice,” said Erin Smith, DCAC director of development.

The DCAC provides a more comfortable place where victims can give their statements in the presence of advocates who can help them work through their trauma, instead of in a cold police interview room.

“We’re more successfully able to prosecute offenders with this model,” said Beth Ann Rocheleau, VP of the DCAC board of directors.

Their work is more important than ever as Lexington County continues to grow exponentially. By the age of 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be victimized.

“Schools are begging for help with students, school threats and suicides,” said Smith.

Lexington County has experienced at least 27 school threat instances since August.

The DCAC is looking toward expansion to meet community needs. That means spreading awareness of what the center does and its importance.

In honor of their 25th anniversary, the DCAC will host its Viva Las Vegas fundraiser Saturday at Central Energy in Columbia.

Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.dickersoncac.org .