SHiNE Walk: Protect Kids from Sexual Abuse

“Can children heal from abuse? To that I say a resounding yes."

Melissa Wagner was the first of several speakers at a press rally today organized by Children Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania. Over a hundred workers in the non profit group gathered in Harrisburg today for their annual SHiNE walk.

“It was a little warmer than any of us wanted, but the sun was certainly shining,” said Melissa McLean, executive director for the Warren County Childrens Advocacy Center (CAC).

From City Island to the state capitol—advocates stepped out to show survivors of child abuse they are seen.

“One in ten children are at risk of sexual abuse before they turn age 18. And a very small percentage of those children disclose,” said Brittney Mink, executive director for the Bradford County CAC. “And so we're shining a light on the problem that is an epidemic in our community. And really to be able to be there for survivors, whether they are children or whether they're adults.”

The walk is also a chance to encourage each other.

“With small rural communities like Warren, sometimes you forget that you're part of a bigger picture. It’s possible to start feeling isolated, even for workers in this profession,” said McLean.

There are 40 centers across the state. When child abuse cases come up in the criminal justice system, the centers protect the child during investigation.

“We have to hold offenders accountable, and we have to keep telling children we believe them. And holding offenders accountable is one way of doing that,” said McLean.

But the centers also give continued care for survivors—even year’s after an initial investigation.

“We don’t know how trauma is going to effect people, we don’t know when it’s going to effect people,” said McLean. "for that immediate moment, maybe holding that offender accountable is what that child needs. And so maybe they're able to go on for eight years and they're doing ok, and then they have a sudden change in their life. And so that trauma resurfaces. We need to be there to offer care and support."

Today’s speakers emphasized that to protect kids, adults need to educate themselves and their children on safe boundaries.

“90% of children know love and trust their abusers. So you're talking caregivers, teachers, friends, distant relatives,” said Mink. “This is happening in our community. We’ve had over 100 children come into our center from our county in the past year. As a community, we need to protect kids. Adults need to talk with their children, start communication so they know they can trust you if they ever feel their boundaries are crossed."

“If a child tells you something, believe them,” said McLean. "You have, as an adult, you have the easiest job in the world, believe that child and get them help.”

One of today’s speakers shared her story of abuse, noting that survivors who are now adults can use their voice to advocate and raise awareness.

Not just to protect today’s children, but also to comfort the women and men who have silently carried their childhood trauma alone.

“And for any survivors out there who are struggling during one of the darkest times of your life, I’m here to tell you, it’s not your fault.

I believe you.

I believe in you.

It’s possible to break through the darkness and shine,” said Beth Docherty.

Born with broken hips, and after abuse from both an x-ray technician and a middle school music teacher — Docherty overcame a trauma trigger of seeing medical professionals to get hip surgery over a decade ago. Her and her husband have now gone on to win international gold medals for ballroom dancing.