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Jacob Stapledon

Sexual Exploitation of Children in Southeastern Massachusetts: The Regional Report for 2023

February 28, 2024 by Jacob Stapledon

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Sexual Exploitation of Children in Southeastern Massachusetts: The Regional Report for 2023

February 28, 2024

This report, and the data and information included within was written with input and information provided by team members from Children’s Cove; The Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center, Bristol County Children’s Advocacy Center, and  Plymouth County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Introduction

The Children’s Advocacy Centers for Cape Cod & the Islands, Bristol County, and Plymouth County work collaboratively with every branch of law enforcement and child protective services to provide a coordinated response to the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in our respective regions. Per state regulation, each Child Advocacy Center (CAC) has a response protocol and acts as the hub for cases which may involve a child at risk for, or who is actively being sexually exploited. Each of our centers works together and communicate regularly because, unfortunately, due to the nature of these cases we see children victimized across our county lines. It is because of our unique roles and working relationships we see the trends which impact vulnerable children in our community.

For the last three years, our centers have met to collaborate on a specific goal in January, which is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Each year we look back at the previous year to identify the issues, trends, and information we want the community to know about this critical issue, and work together to identify ways we can try to get ahead of the curve.

This year, our centers collectively served 364 children who were identified as alleged victims of sexual exploitation in our region. This included boys, girls, and transgender/non-binary youth aged from 8 years old to 17 years old. We have also reviewed a concerning trend of the regional increase in identified cases and want to increase awareness within the communities we serve.

This report contains information our organizations believe our communities need to know to work together to create a future where children are free from abuse.

Breaking Down the Issue

Unfortunately, discussions surrounding these issues can quickly become complex. The complexity of our work can create a barrier to understanding these issues.

Simply put, human trafficking “involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. Coercion can be subtle or overt, physical, or psychological.” Exploitation of a minor (someone under the age of 18) for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used. Relevant to our work, Massachusetts state law defines this as Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). CSEC occurs when a person under the age of 18 is offered or given something of value to them in exchange for some type of sexual act. It doesn’t have to be in person, and it doesn’t need to be money for it to be commercial sexual exploitation. Value could be anything to a child, this includes food, clothing, a warm place to sleep, better grades, vapes, alcohol, or other substances, a trip to a salon, or even a ride somewhere.

Another form of sexual exploitation takes place online, which is Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Formerly referred to as to as child pornography, CSAM is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (a person less than 18 years old.) CSAM is much more than photos and videos; it is a form of exploitation and abuse documented and shared across the internet in perpetuity. Every time an image is viewed, shared, paid for, or downloaded, the child is being revictimized and a crime takes place. This is one of the largest issues in our region.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a 97% increase in cases involving online enticement of children in 2020, and a dramatic increase in cases of sextortion. According to NCMEC, Sextortion “is a form of child sexual exploitation where children are threatened or blackmailed, most often with the possibility of sharing with the public a nude or sexual images of them, by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity or money from the child.” These situations often arise through the means of “catfishing”, pretending to be someone similarly aged, making fake profiles, and sending fake or stolen images to gain trust.

The State of Our Region

Our centers received 364 referrals, it included 289 female identified children, 61 male children and 15 transgender/non-binary identified individuals. The range of ages for children impacted were from 8 years old to 17 years old and the distribution of these cases were that approximately 85.4% of these cases were individuals between 13 years old and 17 years old, and 14.6% were children who were 12 years old and younger.

When we review the numbers from last year, we have noticed a couple of trends. First, we are seeing comparatively similar trends in ages, gender-identity, and types of cases across the region. The majority of those who have been victimized identify as female, however we did see a jump in referrals for transgender and non-binary youth who have been victimized. Second, most cases (more than 95%) included an online element, or were completely perpetrated online. This highlights again for us the immense risk children are in in online environments. Third, most of these children have experienced multiple victimizations and not isolated issues. Fourth, this trend is not getting better, it’s getting worse.

Each of our Child Advocacy Centers have been coordinating the response for cases involving children at-risk or who have been sexually exploited since 2016. As a coalition, we have the opportunity to look at issues from a regional perspective.   With seven years worth of data the trend is clear –cases are increasing steadily.  

Excluding the rate of increase from 2016 to 2017 (an increase of 900%), there has been an average annual increase in referrals for our region of 35%. Cumulatively this is more than 1,800 children who have been referred in our region for suspicions of sexual exploitation. This wider field of view has made our endeavor for a stronger regional collaborative approach more important than ever.

What We Need You to Know

To begin addressing this issue, catch these cases sooner, and engage directly in support for children, we need everyone to be informed and knowledgeable about a few key issues.

Sexual Exploitation is Right Here

While this should seem to be a straightforward note, we cannot underscore that exploitation of children happens right here in our communities. Social media, movies, news media, and documentaries can make these issues seem as though they are taking place far away. They are not. Oftentimes, they begin to take place in the living rooms and bedrooms of our community’s children. For example, a teen goes out to a local youth hotspot, takes a selfie with friends and posts it on their “Snap Map.” This information and photo are public and accessible. A person who may live locally (or not) sees the image, and messages that teen. Sometimes they pose as another teen, or just as themselves. They may use flattering language, send a gift, or just strike up a conversation that compels the teen to respond. In as quickly as 24-48 hours, this teen may have received nude images, an offer of something of value to send their nude images, or even received an invitation to meet in-person. This isn’t a wild scenario; this is something we have seen in real life many times.

Change the Stigma and Distinctions of Exploitation

Because the ways in which children can be sexually exploited are numerous, there are (unfortunately) varying levels of responses from our community. As an example, the response for a child who has made a direct disclosure of sexual assault and exploitation in-person will likely be different than a child who has been forced to send nude images to an unknown person. It can lead to a different mental perception of what a victim of exploitation “looks” like. Additionally, some cases pose such a challenge for investigation (such as exploitation through a live video/stream,) often law enforcement has their hands tied in how much they can do. However, these distinctions should not influence the way we respond to each of these cases. The common factor for all the cases we respond to is risk, and that a child’s future may be impacted. If we look at another common narrative, we need to think about different forms of exploitation as “gateway” exploitation. Let’s look at an example. While we know it is more culturally normal for youth to send nude images now, we have to ask if it is not addressed what could be next? Could they end up sending the nude images for money? Could they be offered more money for more extreme acts? Meeting in person? While this could be seen as a more fear-based example, again, this is an example we have seen many times over.

This is a Community Issue

This is not an issue for one demographic, town, city, or county: it is a wider community issue where you can make a difference. Everyone can do their part to raise awareness and increase prevention of this issue.

  • If you are a parent or caregiver, ask your children’s schools, recreational programs / centers, summer camps, and other youth serving organizations if they know how to identify sexual exploitation of children.
  • Reach out to your local Children’s Advocacy Center to ask how you can learn more about the issue, request or organize training for your local community, school, non-profit organization, or business.
  • If you are concerned that a child is being exploited, report it right away! You can report suspicious behaviors to your local Children’s Advocacy Center, law enforcement agency or file a report with the Department of Children and Families.

“…the trend is clear: cases are increasing steadily…there has been an average annual increase in referrals for our region of 35%.”

What We’re Doing

Each of our centers are working to address the issues on the rise in our communities. We want to give you a snapshot of each initiative we have taken on, and the issue we plan to address over the next year.

Children’s Cove: The Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center: The team has a strong focus on direct impact for law-enforcement through education and training, community awareness through presentations, and prevention through developing skills for youth and our community. Our Education and Training program as well as our Child Exploitation Program Coordinator are working to provide training and community education to not only our multidisciplinary team (MDT), but community as well. In the coming year our team is focused on providing community-based presentations in schools and to wider audiences, providing professional training to investigative agencies and the local District Attorney’s Office on best practices in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting these cases, as well as providing an online education training program to regional law enforcement.

Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County: The team is looking to manage risk in a particular population of individuals often overlooked; children who go missing from care. Children who leave their own homes, residential or campus placement are at immediate risk for sexual exploitation and often are solicited for sex within 24-48 hours of their departure. This program seeks to bolster the regional response by coordinating the response to children reporting missing from care to include not only DCF and law enforcement, but the Child Advocacy Center and their team to provide a coordinated response and support system to manage risk for children. This program will also aim to provide training to regional multidisciplinary team partners about effective response to youth missing from care.

Plymouth County Children’s Advocacy Center:Plymouth County continues to provide a survivor informed MDT approach to all their CSEC Referrals, for both at risk and youth experiencing exploitation. The Plymouth County District Attorney’s CSEC MDT Team provides a CSEC response for victims, while working together to hold exploiters accountable. The team continues to develop their CSEC Task Force. Through the community and interagency CSEC Task Force, they receive training on the topics related to interest and trends of Plymouth County. The CSEC Task Force is also working together to collaboratively create awareness materials.  The CSEC Coordinators and Human Trafficking Chief train the community on CSEC and Cyber related topics.  They will also be hosting multiple conferences this year to provide  best practice training from local and national experts to law enforcement, social workers and mental health professionals.

Massachusetts Children’s Alliance: The Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (MACA), as the membership organization of the 12 Children’s Advocacy Centers in Massachusetts, will continue to support the CSEC response through the commonwealth. This will be primarily through our VOCA-funded CSEC Service Enhancement Project, aimed at enhancing services for children impacted by CSEC by ensuring a coordinated response is available to child victims statewide from Pittsfield to Provincetown through a dedicated CSEC Case Manager position in each jurisdiction. MACA will also begin the implementation phase of the MA CSEC Multi-disciplinary Team Core Standards in Response to CSEC and Sex Trafficking, guidelines designed for the Massachusetts coordinators of the CSEC MDT that codifies best practices for the response to sexually exploited children.

On the horizon: We have an increase regionally in cases of labor trafficking of youth. While this has traditionally fallen off the radar of our regional response, we have identified that youth who have been referred to our centers often have experienced multiple victimizations, sometimes spanning a variety of forms of trafficking. While we cannot be sure, we believe this is an increasing trend and are working with multidisciplinary partners to hone our regional response.

What We Need Parents to Know

Parents and Caregivers are Critical for Prevention

Parents need to be informed, engaged, and open with their children to make steps towards preventing sexual exploitation of children. As we mentioned, the majority of cases of sexual exploitation in our region contain an online element. It is the primary method youth are being exploited and because of this it is critical for parents to be as involved in their children’s online lives as their sport and school activities. Parents need to better understand how to use the popular apps and platforms kids and teens are using. Cases of exploitation have taken place on all internet accessible devices, including video game consoles, school-based devices, and even apps associated with school use. If parents and caregivers don’t have regular conversations about online safety, and monitor all internet enabled devices, the opportunity for exploitation to happen in plain sight remains high.

Have Conversations Without Judgment

It is important for kids and teens to know that if they make a mistake, they can have a calm non-judgmental conversation with their parents and ask for help. Children need to know that their parents will always believe in them, advocate for them, and put their health and safety first. Having ongoing and regular conversations about safety with kids and teens will help them feel supported and can provide reassurance and increase their likelihood to ask for help.

As a parent, if they do make a mistake and report that something happened to them, remain calm, and don’t take quick action like deleting images or messages. These may be important to effectively report and get help. Contact your local police department or local Children’s Advocacy Center for guidance. If you see or suspect child sexual abuse material online or  on social media, you can report it to NCMEC through their Cyber Tipline.

In some cases, children have been threatened to stay compliant with the demands of an offender. It may be difficult for a child to come to a caregiver for help if they are fearful of the threats being made to them. Staying calm and knowing how to take action is crucial in helping a child who is a victim of online exploitation. The more parents and caregivers engage in their child’s online life, while discussing the risks of online sexual exploitation, the more likely children will confide in their parents when issues arise.

Please, make sure to thank them for coming to you for help if they do.

Additional Resources:

We recommend parents understand the privacy settings of these applications to increase the safety barrier between children and potential exploitation online. Below are a series of links which may help you navigate safely online with your children.

  • Take the Pledge to Be Safe and Be Smart Online
  • Boston Children’s Hospital Digital Wellness Lab
  • End Sexual Exploitation Internet Filtering Services
  • Understanding Privacy Settings and Browser Control
  • Parent’s guide to Snapchat
  • Apple iOS Child Safety Features
  • Common Sense Media
  • The Institute for Responsible Online and Cellphone Communication
  • Being a Trusted Adult
  • Sextortion: What Parents Should Know
  • Is Your Explicit Content Out There?
  • Resources for Child Sexual Abuse Material Survivors
  • National Center on Sexual Exploitation Resources (in the resource section click on the tech solutions and there are a bunch of tech safety online guides for parents)
  • Culture Reframed
  • Massachusetts State Laws regarding CSAM

We are Your Local Resource

We know this information is overwhelming and hard to hear. Sexual exploitation in our community is unfathomable, however, it is here, and the danger is increasing. If you want to learn more about how we are making an impact, or, would like to learn how you can join us in tackling this issue, please don’t hesitate to call us any of our centers.

  • Children’s Cove: 508.375.0410
  • Bristol County:  508.674.6111
  • Plymouth County: 508.580.3383

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Filed Under: OUR TAKE

Children’s Cove’s Expanded Services

February 28, 2024 by Jacob Stapledon

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Children’s Cove’s Expanded Services: An update from our team

Jacob Stapledon

February 28, 2024

Over the last few years, Children’s Cove has experienced an increase in need for all aspects of services and support to the community. To meet the need from increased referrals from partner agencies, our team hired our current Child Exploitation Program Coordinator, Alex Foley, and Clinical Program Manager Kathy Fayerberg in 2021. In 2022, we welcomed our Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator Lauren Ackles. With these incredible additions to our team, we then focused on additional ways to expand our programs and services. As we announced in Fall of 2022 at our 25th Anniversary Celebration, we knew there were two other primary needs we had to address. One need is the ongoing demand for more education, outreach, and training across the Cape & Islands in child abuse awareness and prevention. Another, more availability and access to behavioral health providers to support child-victims through trauma-informed clinical care.

To meet this rising demand and fulfill part of the strategic plan, the organization has expanded staffing through the hiring of Anna Colby as our new Community Engagement Specialist in October, and Deena Anderson as our new Mental Health Clinician in January

Community Engagement Specialist Anna Colby

Anna Colby, Community Engagement Specialist

With the increased demand for outreach and education in our community, we have found ourselves in need of additional staffing for community engagement and education for some time. Thanks to grant funding through the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, we were able to create this much needed position to increase our reach in the community.

Anna Colby joins Children’s Cove as the Community Engagement Specialist after working in education for several years. Anna received her Bachelor of Arts from Bridgewater State University and will support the mission of Children’s Cove by engaging with the community to build positive working relationships and raise awareness about child sexual abuse. Anna will participate in informational and outreach events, develop and coordinate volunteers, and support child abuse prevention initiatives.

Anna joining our team represents the first addition to our education and training program in more than 10 years. This is a great step to increase prevention and early intervention for victims of abuse.

Mental Health Clinician Deena Anderson

Deena Anderson, Mental Health Clinician

As a part of our mission and services following the investigative elements of our work, team members make coordinated referrals for support services in the community. However, the need for specialized clinical services has outpaced the behavioral health service available in our region.

We are seeing more cases with complex clinical needs, and, more than that, an immediate need for services. Children and families are often on waiting lists for months (or longer) to get the clinical services they need following trauma. We have an obligation to create an opportunity for children to be supported sooner.

Deena Anderson joins Children’s Cove as its first in-house Mental Health Clinician in almost 10 years. As children with specialized clinical needs, or a more immediate need for clinical services, access Children’s Cove services, Deena will provide trauma-informed clinical services to support the child and family. Deena received her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Central Florida and has worked in various mental health and therapeutic roles across Cape Cod.  Deena has specialized in individual and family therapy utilizing a person-centered and strength-based approach. Deena utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities in her personal practice including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Deena previously provided individual and family therapy at Child & Family Services and with Gosnold Behavioral Health as a Substance Use Counselor and School-Based Clinician. A significant focus in her work has been anxiety management and helping her clients live more fulfilling lives with less stress and worry by helping them develop healthy coping strategies.

As the needs for our community continue to rise, we are proud to be able to rise to meet the demand. Deena is a wonderful addition to our team, and we know she will make a positive impact in the hope and healing of children who have come to the Cove.

As we look to the future, plan with key multidisciplinary and community partners, and expand our services we strive to not only increase our response to children and families in the most challenge of circumstances but continue to create a community where children are free of abuse, have a voice that is heard, and where they enjoy healthy, safe, and empowered lives.

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Cape Cod Family Resource Center is a Dedicated Partner in Serving Our Community

December 22, 2023 by Jacob Stapledon

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Cape Cod Family Resource Center is a Dedicated Partner in Serving Our Community

Jacob Stapledon

December 23.2023

After a child and their non-offending family comes to Children’s Cove, the first big question is “what’s next?” As each case goes through the investigation, prosecution and healing process, our team is there to help the family understand the process, learn about their rights, and access resources that will help their family. However, because needs for each family can vary, require different languages of access, or become complex, we often depend on dedicated community partnerships to steer families in the right direction for their needs, resources or assistance. One of those strong partnerships is with the Cape Cod Family Resource Center.

First, a little background. In 2012 there was a change in legislation in Massachusetts that changed the ways families with challenges or children with behavioral or education issues were supported. Rather than continuing with a system which could be punitive through the filing of court petitions, a new system to directly support Families and Children Engage(d) in Services (FACES) was passed in the Massachusetts Legislature. Under this law, Family Resource Centers began to develop across the Commonwealth to provide services and service coordination directly to families in the community they serve.

Family Resource Centers are there to support individuals and families of all ages, incomes, and languages, and to develop meaningful community connections. Family Resource Centers provide support to parents, children, and families with practical solutions and resources for the challenges in their lives, whether for medical, educational, employment, behavioral health, or anything else. This is why we work so closely with the Cape Cod Family Resource Center (FRC).

Led by Molly Titus, Program Director, the Cape Cod FRC is comprised of a team including a School Liaison, two Family Support workers, a Family Partner and an attorney who works in collaboration with the FRC from the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids. Over the last year the FRC has made an incredible impact in our community. Since January 1st the Cape Cod FRC has directly supported 939 families with a combined 5,329 rendered services.

Some of these services include:

  • Direct tangible resources or referrals to community
  • School support – IEP/504 assistance, CRA/Pre-CRA support
  • Legal representation for health-related matters
  • Basic needs support – food pantry, personal hygiene products, diapers, clothing
  • Parenting Education, including the Nurturing Fathers series, Active Parenting series, and Parenting Journey series
  • Support Groups – Moms, Dads, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
  • Teen programs
  • Family Activities – events, craft hours, DIY Kits throughout the year
  • Assistance with holidays – Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas gifts
  • Life Skills workshops
  • Child Safety presentations

The Cape Cod FRC has been a go-to resource for the children and families we have served for many years, and we continue to expand our partnership. This past fall our Child Exploitation Program Coordinator, Alex Foley, worked with the Cape Cod FRC, as well as numerous community partners, to run a 7-week course titled “Now, That’s What I Call Adulting!” Each participant learned about community resources, financial literacy, resume building, interview preparation, work skills development and more. Due to generous funding from our friends at WE CAN, each participant received a $100 gift card to help purchase new interview outfits for future job interviews!

We will continue to work closely with the Cape Cod FRC for many years to come, and we are looking forward to expanding our trainings, presentations, and groups with them, some coming as early as this spring!

Thank you to the entire team, it’s a pleasure to work with each of you!

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Filed Under: COMMUNITY

Domestic Violence is Child Abuse

October 12, 2023 by Jacob Stapledon

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Domestic Violence is Child Abuse

Jacob Stapledon

October 12, 2023

First observed in 1981, October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for advocates, survivors, and families to mourn lives that were lost, bring attention to the issue of domestic violence in our country, and connect with others to create change.

Domestic violence, otherwise known as intimate partner violence, is unfortunately very common, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with “about 41% of women and 26% of men experiencing sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner…during their lifetime.” Like other forms of abuse, domestic violence is more than just one act, as it encapsulates a variety of behaviors and actions.

According to our community partners at Independence House, domestic violence is defined as:

…a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors that one person uses over another to gain power and control. Domestic violence may include verbal abuse, emotional/mental/psychological abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse and sexual abuse. Although each can be experienced separately, there is considerable overlap among these forms of abuse, where two or more are commonly experienced.

Not all domestic violence cases are physical. Most victims experience verbal and emotional/mental abuse and sometimes never physical abuse. In intimate partner/relationship violence, one partner in the relationship attempts to control the other through these various dynamics of abuse. Most times, the abuse starts in a very subtle manner and is often not identified as abuse.

This October, Independence House, A Safe Place Nantucket and CONNECT to End Violence Martha’s Vineyard will work to bring awareness to this issue for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These incredible community partners work with those experiencing domestic violence and provide a variety of helpful measures to individuals and families, including improving safety, support, and independence. The direct services team at Children’s Cove will often work collaboratively with these organizations when helping a child who has been abused or has witnessed the abuse of another in their home. It is this collaboration, and the intersection of our work which provides us with the insight and expertise to strongly believe that domestic violence is synonymous with child abuse.

The challenge with terms, catchphrases or labels is that they are often oversimplified. Based on someone’s experience or unique perspective, when hearing a particular term, they may have a stereotypical image that comes to mind.  For example, domestic violence is often portrayed as an adult male physically assaulting an adult female, but this is only a fraction of the wider issue and its intricacies.

What would your first response be when asked the questions: “if a father hits a mother with their child in the house, is that child being abused?” Perhaps it would to be to ask another question, “did the child see it?” “Were they also hit?” “Was the child was sleeping?” Sometimes the answer to the original question is a simple ‘yes’, whereas to others it becomes more nuanced. There can be a belief that because the child themselves has not physically experienced the abuse; it would not qualify as child abuse. We want to state unequivocally that this is simply not the case.

There is a tangible physical and neurological impact to a child who witnesses and experiences domestic violence.  In fact, the belief that domestic violence may only impact adults is also unfounded.”

Much like child sexual abuse, domestic violence impacts the entire family. Children in particular are at increased risk of long term effects of experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, known as an “adverse childhood experience” (to learn more, visit our past article here). Children need to grow in a safe and stable environment, as chronic adverse stress, or “toxic stress” results in physical and behavioral impacts on the child.

According to the CDC, “when a child feels threatened, hormones are released, and they circulate throughout the body. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can impact the brain and impair functioning in a variety of ways.” This impact can alter the growth and development of the brain, cause a lower level of stress tolerance, create difficulty with their autoimmune response, develop more illnesses in their lifetime, or even develop neurological disabilities.

There is a tangible physical and neurological impact to a child who witnesses and experiences domestic violence.  In fact, the belief that domestic violence may only impact adults is also unfounded. The Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody presented research which found that approximately 30-60% of families in which either child abuse / neglect or adult domestic violence is occurring, the family was also experiencing the other form of violence. Rarely does one issue does not impact or connect with the other.

However, even with the science, the studies, and findings, it may be hard to convince individuals that domestic violence is not child abuse. The impacts of domestic violence for children are real and lifelong.  There is a YouTube video of a 911 call from 6-year-old Lisa Floyd where she desperately and repeatedly asks for help from the police to stop her stepfather from severely physically assaulting her mother.  Lisa’s pleading, screams and crying are signs of the insidious trauma she is experiencing. This call received national attention and is used to educate people on the impact of domestic violence on children.

Below is a transcribed video of Lisa Floyd’s 9-1-1 call.

*WARNING* this recording is incredibly disturbing and may be challenging or triggering for some to hear.

Think about a six-year-old experiencing this trauma not just once, but numerous times. We believe this can only be categorized as child abuse.  As an adult, Lisa Floyd sadly did not escape a troubled life.  After years of substance misuse, including 25 DUIs and jail time, at last report, Lisa was in recovery and working with a recovery care organization to help others.

As the Child Advocacy Center for Cape Cod & the Islands, Children’s Cove provides compassionate, comprehensive, and collaborative response services at no cost to survivors of child abuse. Our multidisciplinary team works together to empower survivors, promote healthy outcomes, and help mitigate the stigma of child abuse. Children’s Cove also partners with regional sexual and domestic violence agencies to end violence and abuse on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. We know that sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation impacts people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomics.

Our mission remains steadfast – to create communities where everyone lives free from abuse, has a voice that is heard, and can enjoy healthy, safe, and empowered lives. If you are a victim of abuse and don’t know where to turn, there is community support available. You are not alone.

If you would like to learn more about free and confidential services available to our communities or provide information to someone who may need support, we are here to answer questions and offer help.

Learn how to access support services across the Cape & Islands here.

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Filed Under: OUR TAKE

MDT Highlight – Law Enforcement Victim Advocates

October 12, 2023 by Jacob Stapledon

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MDT Highlight – Law Enforcement Victim Advocates

Jacob Stapledon

October 12, 2023

As the child advocacy center for the Cape & Islands we respond to cases involving child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, witness to domestic violence and sexual exploitation of children. Children come to us to talk about their experiences in full detail in a child-friendly and trauma informed manner. We provide these forensic interview services in partnership with our multidisciplinary team made of up law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health, and prosecution to provide a comprehensive and trauma-informed approach to working with children. However, for some children there may need to be an initial conversation with law enforcement to begin this process, and for adults this type of service does not exist.

Talking about any traumatic experience is incredibly difficult, however, sexual, or intimate partner violence carries an incredible weight of difficulty. Taboo, shame, blame, confusion, betrayal, and anger are just some of the feelings victims of crime may experience in such an overwhelming way that it is nearly impossible to talk about it or ask for help. This is why some regional law enforcement agencies have hired those with specialized roles to talk with and support victims of sexual and domestic violence. Across the Cape, there are several individuals who serve as Victim Service Specialists, or Victim Advocates. While they aren’t members of the investigative team, they serve with incredible honor and integrity to support victims of crime in their roles. Children’s Cove and advocates often work in tandem to provide services and coordination of care to children and their non-offending families when responding to cases in their jurisdiction.

This month we wanted to highlight some of these incredible advocates for the work they do to support our community.

Kathleen Pedini Victim Services Coordinator Dennis Police Department
Kathleen Pedini Victim Services Coordinator Dennis Police Department

Kathleen Pedini, Victim Services Coordinator, Dennis Police Department

Kathleen “Kathy” Pedini has lived and worked on the Cape for the last 35 years. Kathy loves her home in the town of Dennis, and she believes the community is what makes it more beautiful than the land itself. Raising her family, her involvement in the local school districts and their sports programs, and off-roading at Chapin beach is why she has dedicated the last nine years of her career to the Dennis Police Department.

An active member in the Community Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health Task Force, Kathy provides follow-up contact to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as other crimes. Kathy provides the immediate support often needed following the team’s report, maintains communication and updates those she supports throughout the investigation. Whether it is an immediate and short-term crisis, or more long-term support, which is needed, Kathy assists each person she works with in navigating the local services which can assist them.

When asked what she enjoys about her work, Kathy states “I love a lot about my job, including the opportunity to help others through difficult situations, meeting and partnering with the community, and making a positive impact.”

What Kathy considers a success in her work: “I guess success to me is making someone feel valued, supported, and heard. I want people in the community to know we care and are there for them; they are not alone.”

Annie Catalano, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department
Annie Catalano, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Annie Catalano, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Annie moved to the Cape in 2014 and started her work in the field of Victim Services at Independence House. In 2018, Annie was hired as the first Victim Advocate at the Yarmouth Police Department under their Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Grant. In her role, Annie connects victims with safety and support options, builds strong relationships within the community, created a Special Victims Unit, and developed a strong partnership connecting substance use disorder services with those in need.  Annie sits on the Cape & Islands Domestic Violence High Risk Task Force, Cape Cod Elder Abuse Coalition, the Enough Abuse Campaign, and she Co-Chairs the Yarmouth Substance Awareness Committee and in 2020,became certified through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.

In her work, Annie utilizes a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach and provides follow-up on all reports of domestic and sexual violence that come through the Yarmouth Police Department. In addition to assessing for safety and other needs, she will accompany victims during interviews with detectives, meet with families at Children’s Cove during a forensic interview, and accompany victims to court when appropriate.

When asked what she enjoys about her work Annie, says “I love to speak to members of the community about our Special Victims Unit and how we can support people, as well as, provide training about domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse, and child sexual abuse.  I love to empower victims of violence and watch them find their inner strengths that lead them to thrive.”

What Annie considers a success in her work: “If a victim feels safe, has the best supports in place, and feels empowered to advocate for what they need in the future. That is a success to me.”

Shelby Ray, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department
Shelby Ray, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Shelby Ray, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Shelby joined the Yarmouth Police Department (YPD) in November of 2022 after previously having worked as a Victim Witness Assistant at the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office (DA). Starting with the DA’s office in 2014, after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University, Shelby worked in Barnstable and Nantucket counties and assisted a multitude of victims through the prosecution process in District and Superior Courts. Hired to YPD following an application through the COVID-19 Sexual and Domestic Violence Trust Fund Grant for Public Safety, Shelby serves as a part of the department’s Special Victims Unit. Working with Annie as part of the YPD’s Special Victims Unit, Shelby serves as a liaison between victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the police department. While working with the officers and detectives, Shelby directly supports victims through the process of reporting a crime.  Following this, Shelby can assist victims with restraining orders, safety planning, court accompaniment, interview accompaniment, and referrals for counseling, financial and legal support and more.

Having grown up here on Cape Cod and continuing to live here, Shelby realized the importance of working to expand crucial services locally that can help better the quality of life of survivors in our area.  By being able to provide advocacy and support to those who need it, there’s a stronger likelihood that a victim will have a more positive outcome.

What Shelby considers a “success” in her work: “Whether it’s helping someone once, or helping someone for years, after they’ve experienced a traumatic event, simply being able to be there to provide guidance and support during what could be the worst time of their life, can make a world of difference to someone.”

Tara B. Carline, Victim/Witness Advocate, Mashpee Police Department

Tara B. Carline, Victim/Witness Advocate, Mashpee Police Department

Tara received a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Communication and Criminal Justice from the University of New Hampshire before eventually becoming a Police Officer in New Hampshire. After moving to the Cape in 2007, Tara joined the Mashpee Police Department as a Victim/Witness Advocate and has been a member of the Mashpee Police Community Services Unit since its inception in 2016. In addition, the MPD School Resource Officer and Tara are co-handlers to the first Police Comfort Dog on Cape Cod, K9 Cali.

Tara’s role includes supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence by providing crisis intervention, safety planning, support services and resources that would otherwise not be easily accessible. Tara also provides critical outreach in cases involving mental health, substance use as well as incidents involving those with juveniles and the elderly. Tara also provides training, education, and advocacy within the community. Tara finds that her work provides a sense of empowerment that can help change the course of someone’s life in a meaningful way. She hopes to make a difference in assisting people at risk by providing them with options that ultimately lead to a better situation.

What Tara considers a “success” in her work: “I would say that through my work at the Mashpee Police Department, I have been able to educate and promote change in the way people view domestic violence, substance use and behavioral health. This position has allowed me to be that constant sounding board and informational tool for survivors and others at risk.”

Jessica Jay, Victim Services Specialist Assigned to Prosecution Unit, Barnstable Police Department

Jessica Jay, Victim Services Specialist Assigned to Prosecution Unit, Barnstable Police Department

Jessica grew up on Cape Cod and went to the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned her undergraduate degree, double majoring in Criminology and Psychology.  After college Jessica worked for Gosnold Behavioral Health at the Emerson House before returning to school and earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 2008. Following her graduation, Jessica worked for 2 years for the Cape & Island’s District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Assistant, working primarily in the Orleans District Court on domestic violence cases.  Jessica started working for the Barnstable Police Department in 2010 as a civilian police advocate.

Jessica states her role has evolved over the 13 years she has been with the department, but her focus has always been on victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Jessica provides follow-up on all incidents of domestic violence reported to the Department and works with sexual assault investigators to support victims. She provides support and information to victims that report to the department, or are thinking of reporting, by providing information about the law enforcement and court process, and resources.  Jessica also oversees all the Barnstable Police Departments Orders of Protection, assists the Prosecution Unit run, and supports teaching about domestic violence and sexual assault for the MPTC to the recruits at the Plymouth Police Academy.

Jessica recognizes that for victims and survivors of crime, the criminal justice system can be confusing, intimidating, and unfair at times, especially when they had no choice in becoming part of it.  Jessica works hard to meet with victims and survivors as a source of information, humanity, and compassion to help them navigate this process.

What Jessica considers a “success” in her work: “Witnessing someone’s resilience guide them to a place where they feel safe, inside and out.”

The team at Children’s Cove appreciates all the work each of these incredible advocates do to support victims of crime in our community. Their help assisting us with supportive services for child and families is invaluable, and we thank each of them for all they do!

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Filed Under: COMMUNITY

A School’s Critical Role in Safety

August 16, 2023 by Jacob Stapledon

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A School’s Critical Role in Safety

Jacob Stapledon

August 14, 2023

As summer comes to a close, it’s time for parents and caregivers to get ready for the start of the new school year. Whether it is the first year their child is entering school or the last year of high school, there is a whole host of items, schedules and plans needed for students of every age. Books to read, school supplies, bus schedules, lunchboxes, clothing, shoes, sports equipment; the lists of these materials, needs and consent forms come weekly, sometimes daily, at the beginning of the school year for parents to review, sign, and return. In fact, schools tend to do an incredible job of communicating.  However, there is a topic we believe needs to be included in the information schools share with parents and caregivers, and that is the school’s policy on child abuse prevention, recognition, response, and reporting.

Schools play a critical role in child abuse recognition and response, and teachers are often the front line. When schools play such a critical role of recognizing and reporting abuse, one should expect there to be comprehensive, consistent protocols between schools and districts, and the regular communication of these protocols to families. However, this most often is not the case.

While there is specific session law in Massachusetts which requires every school and athletic program to “to develop an interscholastic athletic head injury safety training program,” there are no such requirements for child abuse prevention, recognition, response or reporting. There are requirements in Massachusetts for teachers and school staff to undergo training to understand their roles as Mandated Reporters, yet there are no requirements for specific policies or procedures regarding this within any school district in Massachusetts. In many instances this leads to confusion, disorganization, and at times a loss of effective reporting in school districts that continues to this day. Minimal or over-complicated policies related to recognizing and reporting abuse of children in schools reduces the likelihood that mandated reporters in school make effective reports, which may increase the possibility of children being harmed.

…there are no standards for child abuse prevention at the legislative level as a part of the ‘safe and supportive school’ requirements.”

What if we took this a step further? While we know our culture and communities already place an enormous burden on schools, it must be said that for several years now there has been a near constant conversation related to safety in schools. Schools teach young children how to stop, drop, and role, “just say no”, dial 9-1-1, and look both ways to cross the street, and how to hide from active threats or active shooters. However, where are the conversations about body safety? Consent? Defining abuse and why it’s not ok? Talking about domestic violence and why it’s ok to ask for help?

There are no requirements in Massachusetts for these types of conversations. Additionally, there are no specific requirements or standards for child abuse prevention at the legislative level as a part of the “safe and supportive school” requirements. Anything which could be considered as a standard for this level of care is often left to school committees at a local level, who most often are not child abuse experts.

While there is a lot that schools do well in communicating to the communities they support, there is great room for improvement when it comes to communicating about child abuse prevention, recognition, response, and reporting policies. As a community we regularly don’t ask to see a school’s policies, procedures and protocols related to disclosures of abuse, or ask about if schools teach prevention. If something is not discussed, it won’t be addressed. If it is not addressed, it won’t be improved. As a community, we deserve to have a unified practice of how all schools, at every grade level, operate towards the prevention, early recognition, and effective response and reporting of child abuse on the Cape & Islands.

If there are any parents, caregivers, teachers, school committees or superintendents who would like to support this endeavor, please contact Jacob Stapledon, Children’s Cove’s Community Engagement and Education Program Manager, at Jacob.Stapledon@childrenscover.org to start this conversation.

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