NEWS RELEASE
CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka (CACSM) is excited to announce they are seeking partners within Orillia and surrounding areas to develop and host events to create awareness and support children, youth and families impacted by abuse.
The CACSM aims to engage the community to recognize and prevent abuse so all children and youth can thrive in a responsive community that HEARS their voices and keeps them SAFE.
Help the CACSM help kids; host a golf tournament, an art or sporting event to raise funds; bring groups together for child abuse prevention presentations; engage your organization in lending their support.
Modern research has taught us about child and brain development, and that unresolved childhood trauma can impose a lifetime of suffering, isolation and hopelessness.
The Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka is calling on our communities to support their important and challenging work today to help strengthen our communities of tomorrow. For more information please visit the CACSM website at www.cacsimcoemuskoka.ca, Contact Executive Director, Tracey Carter [email protected] or call 705-327-0118.
CHILD ABUSE FACTS
According to Statistics Canada:
- In 2012, over half (55%) of all victims of police reported sexual offenses were children under age 18
- From 2015 to 2016, sexual violations against children increased 30%
- From 2006 to 2016, child pornography incidents increased 233%
- 1 in 3 (32.1%) Canadian adults experienced child abuse .
Experiencing child abuse increases risk of:
- Mental Health Disorders (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bi-polar disorder)
- Physical Health Conditions (stroke, cancer, lung disease)
- Suicide (ideation and attempts [4.1 and 6.1 times greater, respectively])
- Substance Abuse/Dependence
- Homelessness
ABOUT THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE
Based on an internationally recognized, best-practice model of care, the Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka, promotes and delivers excellence in child/youth abuse response, investigation and prevention while minimizing trauma and promoting the well-being of children, youth and their families during the investigative process, any court proceedings and beyond.
The CACSM has child and youth friendly centres (Orillia & Barrie) in which police, child welfare, medical, mental health and Child/Youth & Family Advocate professionals assist children and youth (to age 24) who have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and/or sex trafficking.
Since 2014, the CACSM has facilitated over 1000 forensic interviews – the need grows each year.
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