July E-Newsletter

Summer is in full swing and BCAC has been busy!  In the last two weeks alone, we have helped 35 children and conducted 18 medical exams.  This year we've worked with over 600 children already. We're on pace to see 30% more children than last year, and the most in a decade.

These services cost money and that's why we are in the running for $30,000 through Liberty Mutual's Like My Baltimore Campaign. See the article below for more information on how to vote this summer and help us win.

Child sexual abuse is a crime of secrecy.  The greater numbers of people talking about it and how to prevent it, the less it will happen. We're asking you to become an Ambassador for BCAC.  Through an easy online social platform, called Social Toaster, you'll be able to reach your networks with our messaging with very little effort on your part.  Read "Social Toaster" below for more information.

Lastly, on the heels of last week's news from Penn State University, we are eager to train youth-serving institutions and individuals on how to minimize risk of abuse.  Read "Project Protect" below for more information.

Thank you so much for being on the BCAC Team.  Have a safe summer!

 Adams

Adam Rosenberg, Executive Director     

Vote BCAC through Like My Baltimore 

Help BCAC win $30,000 
BCAC is one of six local non-profits in  the running to win $30,000 through Liberty Mutual's Like My Baltimore Campaign.  To date, BCAC is in 5th place with 1,134 votes. Help us win that award. Your votes make a huge difference. Vote twice daily at http://tinyurl.com/likebcac and by texting LMBAL1 to 61698 through August 20, to help us get closer to the top. And this Friday July 20th your vote counts double! $30,000 will help more than 1,000 children we serve every year get one step closer to regaining their childhoods after abuse. Like us and vote today!

SocialToaster

Be an Ambassador for BCAC!
Do you want to share all of the important information BCAC provides, but don't want to cut and paste content every time? Well, then we have the solution for you! BCAC has teamed up with SocialToaster to allow you to be an Ambassador without the hassle.  

Once you sign up to be an Ambassador, you set your preferences as to how you would like to disseminate our messages.  One click of a button and your work is done.  
Click here to sign up today.  And, thanks for your support.

Project Protect

BCAC Responds to the Latest News from Penn State
More bad news came from Penn State's campus this week with the release of the Freeh report.  How is it that such a prominent and well-regarded institution let so many children down?  This failure on the part of Penn State and its employees to safeguard children is a reminder that we can all do more to ensure our children's safety.  BCAC is here to help.  

BCAC is offering Project Protect: Training and Technical Expertise for youth-serving institutions to minimize the risk of abuse.  Click here for more information about Project Protect.
BCAC has received many questions from parents as a result of the Sandusky verdict and our subsequent Baltimore Sun Op-Ed all wondering what to do now. BCAC has answers to your questions about what you should be asking youth-serving organizations. See and share BCAC's Tip of the Week. 

Lastly, check out BCAC's recent coverage on the news.  We look forward to working with you on all of your training needs.  Please contact us for more information.

Stories from the Field

Meet Sarah* 
In the middle of the night, 15-year old Sarah, told a BCAC team member that she was sexually abused by a mentor.  A few months ago, BCAC first met Sarah after receiving an anonymous report of suspected abuse; however, she adamantly denied she was a victim.  Since then Sarah discovered she was pregnant and ceased taking medication for her severe depression.  As a result of these life-altering changes and feeling that she could no longer keep her secret to herself, she needed to share her story.  BCAC was well-positioned to respond. 

Sarah felt comfortable telling BCAC's forensic interviewer that her mentor had taken advantage of her fragile emotional state and had abused her for more than a year.  Sarah shared that her abuser called cell phone.  With this information, our police partners were able to quickly track the suspect and take action.  The abuser confessed to his crimes and was promptly arrested. 

Sarah's story highlights why BCAC makes a difference to victims of child sexual abuse.  BCAC's partners believed Sarah and took her story seriously, despite the fact that she had already been interviewed once before.  The Team was ready to respond when Sarah was ready to report.  Not only was Sarah able to share her story in a safe child-friendly environment, but the interviewer, a licensed social worker, was able to work with Sarah to safeguard against the possibility that her depression may lead to suicide. Additionally, Sarah was able to receive connections to mental health treatment options specific to her trauma and she was able to receive medical care for the first time since she found out she was pregnant. 

Without BCAC, Sarah would still be at-risk for abuse, an unhealthy pregnancy, and further emotional harm.

*A true story, with changes made to keep Sarah's real identity confidential.  

Upcoming Events

Ride for Life: Motorcycle Ride & Music Festival 
Saturday, September 22
Begin at McAvoy's (2531 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville)
9:00 a.m. Registration
11:30 a.m. Kickstands Up
End at Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore (601 E. Pratt St., Baltimore) 
$30/rider, $20/passenger

For more information, visit www.theride4life.info 

"Law & Order" Golf Tournament
Monday, October 1
Hillendale Country Club 
13700 Blenheim Rd., Phoenix
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information or to register, click here.

For more information about Corporate Partnership and Event Sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail our Development Department.  

Volunteer Corner

Two great opportunities!

Volunteer at ArtScape  
BCAC will be hosting a booth at Artscape Friday, July 20 - Sunday, July 22.  Click here if you're interested in volunteering a few hours to create butterfly projects with kids.  

Be a Street Team Member
Over the next few weeks, BCAC will be promoting the Like My Baltimore Campaign and sharing prevention tips with the public.  If you're interested in being part of the Street Team, click here.