Jenny's Story
Isolating the Effects of Trauma Gives Jenny a Fighting Chance
Jenny*, 15, was not unsure about disclosing her victimization during her first interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center. She provided minimal details during the interview, and the team was unable to move forward without adequate evidence and probable cause.
Never pushing Jenny to share more than she was ready to, the interviewer assured her that she could return in the future if there were more details she was willing to share. The team member remained in contact with Jenny’s mother throughout the following months, providing connections to support and assistance.
While working with a therapist, she began to feel comfortable and confident in returning to the Children’s Advocacy Center for a follow-up interview. In her second interview, Jenny was able to provide more details and information about her abuse. The information she shared with our interviewer was provided to local law enforcement so they could respond and potentially pursue charges against the abuser.
Despite the uncertainty of whether charges will be brought forward, the additional interview and support from our advocates throughout the entire process has provided Jenny and her mother the opportunity to heal and grow.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Building resilience and helping children heal from trauma is one of the most important investments we make as a community. Research bears this out time and again as it shows untreated trauma can follow a person through their whole life, often with significant costs for the community. Together we can make a real difference for these children, with a ripple effect that will be felt for generations.
Contribute to our cause
Synergy Services’ Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) creates one home for all of the services needed by a child who has experienced or witnessed abuse. This eliminates the need for a child to have to share their story multiple times to doctors, police officers, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others.
The unique structure and model of the CAC is designed to ensure children are supported by everyone, together. Our systems must protect children. Together we can!
Interested in learning more about the Children’s Advocacy Center at Synergy Services?