ANNOUNCING OUR NEW CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER MOBILE UNIT
Many children and families impacted by abuse and neglect face additional barriers to services: lack of transportation, geographic isolation, inability to take time off of work, cultural and social norms, and victim-offender relationship. With our Multidisciplinary Teams, Lotus is launching a children’s advocacy center (CAC) mobile unit to expand access to safety, healing, and justice for children and families in the Purchase Area.
As the first of its kind in Kentucky, our CAC Mobile Unit innovates our outreach services by meeting children and families where they are.
This blueprint shows the design of our CAC Mobile Unit, specifically designed to meet the needs of child abuse victims and their families.
The CAC Mobile Unit will allow Lotus and our multidisciplinary team partners to provide:
- forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment,
- specialized medical examinations,
- family and legal advocacy,
- mental health services, and
- education and resources on victims’ rights and compensation.
Research demonstrates child victims who receive forensic services will be more likely to receive specialized medical and mental health care. Caregivers feel more connected to family advocates and are more likely to become engaged in the recovery process of their children. With this type of specialized and comprehensive intervention, victims of abuse are better able to handle crises and have fewer negative long-term effects.
The CAC Mobile Unit, pictured above, is projected to be completed by the end of the year.
Our CAC Mobile Unit is made possible with funding from Kentucky’s Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and generous support from the Ray & Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust and the Charity League of Paducah Ethel Dubois Smith Fund.
Stay tuned for more information about our CAC Mobile Unit—coming soon!
UPCOMING TRAINING
Lotus is offering two in-person child abuse prevention trainings in December, open to all community members:
Saturday, December 4, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. | Register
Tuesday, December 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Register
Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.
Registration at the links above is required. For more information, contact Paris Jones, prevention education specialist, at 270-534-4422 ext. 37 or [email protected].
GIVING TUESDAY IS NOVEMBER 30
Take part in Giving Tuesday, November 30, by making a gift that supports survivors, strengthens families, and empowers communities to end child abuse and sexual violence.
Here are a few ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday this year:
- Make a gift to Lotus in honor or in memory of a loved one.
- Invite friends to donate by posting on social media.
- Set up a monthly gift, which means your impact goes further.
Add Giving Tuesday to Calendar
Don’t want to wait? Give now.
SUPPORT SURVIVORS
Sexual Assault of Men and Boys
In recognition of International Men’s Day, November 19, we’re highlighting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of men. Men and boys who have been sexually assaulted or abused may have many of the same feelings and reactions as other survivors of sexual assault, but they may also face some additional challenges because of social attitudes and stereotypes about men and masculinity. Read more on rainn.org.
STRENGTHEN FAMILIES
Social and Emotional Competence of Children and National Family Literacy Month
One way to help foster social and emotional health in kids is by reading and discussing children’s books. This is a great way to encourage kids to identify the characters’ emotions and then relate those emotions to their own. Read more about how you can promote family literacy at home at faceitabuse.org.
EMPOWER COMMUNITIES
Talking to Young Children about Race and Identity
Equity Talks, a video series from First Steps Kent, provides tools to guide future educators and parents when having discussions about race and bias. View the videos and learn more at firststepskent.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mondays (ongoing): Survivor Led Support Group @ 6:00 p.m. CST
Hosted by Lotus, Ampersand, and Hope Harbor
11/23: Legislative Advocacy Series: Kentucky State Legislator Panel @ 6:00 p.m. CST
Hosted by Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs
11/30: Giving Tuesday
12/1 to 12/3: Annual Conference to End Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Hosted by Hosted by the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence
* Scholarships are available for survivors to cover their registration fee.
12/4: Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® @ 2:00 CST
Hosted and facilitated by Lotus
12/14: Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® @ 11:30 a.m. CST
Hosted and facilitated by Lotus
