Standing Up For Child Abuse And Sexual Assault Survivors: April Is Awareness Month

Pictured above Hays County Sheriff Office Deputy Stephen Traeger, HCWC staff member’s children, Kody and Kayla.

Celebrating success in an environment where professionals who work on child abuse cases can be a daunting task. In April during Child Abuse Awareness Month, HCWC’s child advocacy center program, Roxanne’s House is planning to honor partner agencies from local law enforcement in Hays and Caldwell counties, Child Protective Services, CASA, Hays and Caldwell County District Attorney’s offices and local medical professionals who work as a team seeking healing and justice for the community’s youngest members, our children.

Last year, HCWC’s Roxanne’s House program served 672 children and their families from Hays and Caldwell County. Roxanne’s House Program Director, Stephanie Opiela says, “We are serving more children today than ever before, and we view this as a result of community members being more informed and proactive when it comes to this difficult issue. It is all too easy to focus on the numbers and feel like you’re not making a difference, but there are positive outcomes in the work that our dedicated and passionate team members do.

I recall a young child that I worked with from the day she disclosed until the day she bravely climbed into an adult-sized chair behind an adult-sized podium at her grandfather’s trial and detailed the continued sexual abuse that he forced her to endure. She entered that courtroom trembling and clutching her teddy bear, and walked out with her chin held high. When her mother told her through tears how brave she was, she stated with a huge smile, ‘I didn’t just do it, I DID IT!’ With the love and support of her family, our community, and our team members she was able to walk through her experience and emerge a happy, healthy, and stronger version of her four-year-old self.”

To show further support for children, HCWC-Roxanne’s House is partnering with Hays County Sheriff’s Office and San Marcos Police Department for an event titled, “Cops For Kids” scheduled for Tuesday, April 12thfrom 6:30 – 9:00pm at Grin’s Restaurant. Officers will be matched up with a server and will engage with community members about the work being done to end child abuse in our community.

Lieutenant Jeri Skrockiadds, “The Sheriff’s Office is proud to support HCWC with their efforts to support our most precious gift, our children.  It is incumbent on all of us to be the voice of a child who may not be able to speak for themselves.  The Sheriff’s Office along with the dedicated staff of HCWC are devoted to continuing our partnership to educate, protect and advocate for Hays County children. We hope to not only raise some funds but to raise awareness of the issue of child abuse in Hays and Caldwell county and to educate people about the team efforts that take place every single day on behalf of these child abuse victims.”

An equally important focus will be taking place in April as it is also Sexual Assault Awareness month. One headlining event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6th at 6pm at Texas State’s LBJ Student Center Teaching Theater. There will be a screening of the recent documentary, “The Hunting Ground” highlighting sexual assault cases on college campuses. A panel discussion will follow the screening and will include HCWC’s Sexual Assault Counselor, Whitney Bliss, as well as Texas State representatives, Dr. Gilda Garcia (Title IX Coordinator), Dr. Hillary Lambert (Psychologist), Xavier Reveles (Men Against Violence) and Chris Kaiser, Attorney for Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. Last year, HCWC served 453 victims of sexual assault and abuse with 74 hospital responses, a 54% increase from the previous year.

Kicking off all our efforts this April starts with our most important fundraising event, HCWC’s 32nd Annual Auction taking place on Saturday, April 2nd at 6pm at the Texas State University LBJ Student Center Ballroom. Tickets are still available at hcwc.org/annual-auction or at the door for $35. Attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner catered by Black’s BBQ and will have hundreds of items to shop for during our silent and Live Auction! All proceeds benefit HCWC’s services. Help HCWC provide critical services to victims of abuse like this client who recently told us, “This was life changing for myself and my kids. Just knowing there is help out there and showing me ways to protect my family and what to look for in future relationships”. We hope to see you on April 2nd!

The Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has a 38-year history of serving women, men and children in Hays and Caldwell Counties who are victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse. All HCWC services are free and confidential.  For more information please visit www.hcwc.org or call (512) 396-HELP.