one child’s story

Sara is 12 years old, loves music and to dance. She does fairly well in school and is an active child with friends.

Recently one of her teachers noticed a change in her behavior and grades. Sara was not attentive in class, would often put her head down on her desk and several times did not complete her homework.

The teacher contacted Sara’s mom to talk about her concerns. Sara’s mom seemed defensive and stated she appreciated the call but said Sara was just moody lately.

After finding Sara asleep at her desk, her teacher asked her to accompany her to the guidance counselor’s office, to talk about what may be going on. As soon as the door was closed, Sara began to cry.

Sara said she was too scared to say anything after her mother was called. Her mother yelled at her not to tell anybody anything. Sara said she was worried about her parents. Her Dad always seemed angry and was drinking a lot more.

She described being awakened by yelling and screaming. She saw her Dad straddle her Mom and hit her arms and head.

“I tried to get him off of her and was begging him to stop,” Sara said. “He grabbed my arm and shoved me toward the door, saying get out of here or you are next.”

Sara showed the counselor and teacher marks on her arm where her Dad had grabbed her. Sara cried even harder.

She said she didn’t want to get in trouble for telling. Sara felt it was her fault her parents were fighting over money because she needed things for school and dance class.

The guidance counselor reassured Sara that she had done nothing wrong but what was happening in her home was something that had to be reported to authorities.

The counselor continued to reassure Sara that it was important for her parents to get help and for Sara to be in a safe place. ›

As required of school officials of a child witnessing violence, the teacher and counselor reported to the Department of Social Services which contacted law enforcement for a referral to Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center. After a safety plan was developed by DSS, the center provided a forensic evaluation to include a medical exam and interview to allow Sarah to tell her story, in a safe place.

Sara’s Dad was referred for help with his coping skills. Sarah participates in the center’s trauma-focused therapy programs and is doing much better in school and with her emotions from what happened at home.

Her Mom is speaking to a therapist about her own history with family violence.

With the community’s help, children like Sara have a safe place to begin healing.

The Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center has caregiver and group services programs. We continue to see an increase in the number of children and family members needing help. Please help by giving to the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center to help children like Sara.

Sara could be your neighbor’s child, go to your church, be your niece, your cousin or take dance lessons with your child. Please join us in caring about child abuse.

Donations may be made to Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, 140 Gibson Rd., Lexington 29072-3370.

This article was contributed by Carol Yarborough of the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy center,