This week, our South Coast Health Community Spotlight shines on the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County. Lara Stone joined us to give us some insight about a very difficult topic that none of us want to talk about, but unfortunately is very important here on the SouthCoast.

Child sexual abuse is more prevalent on the SouthCoast than we'd like to believe. However, it is a disturbing fact that Bristol County is one of busiest counties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts when it comes to child abuse.

What is the Children's Advocacy Center?

"We are Bristol County's response to child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witness to violence. We conduct all the forensic interviews, so we're the investigative side of things. I wish I could say that we are not among the busiest in the state, but we are," said Stone.  That translates to between six and eight hundred referrals annually for kids who have been harmed or experienced trauma.

What Does the Center Do?

"We're trying to be sure that parents, teachers, school nurses, and school adjustment counselors understand the signs of abuse and what to look for.  We want them to know how to make kids feel protected, and that kids themselves feel sure of body safety and consent.

Stranger Danger is Outdated

"We don't say s'tranger danger' anymore because it could be someone that a child knows. And particularly for online use, we think about Fortnite or Roblox, and they know how to use those games to harm kids. Predators go into the game itself and say, oh, I'll take you to the next level in the game if you give me this or that," said Stone.

How to Talk With Kids Without Freaking Them Out?

You kind of want to strike that exact balance. You want kids to know that their body is their own, that there are certain times that they can be touched/  For example when a doctor is with them and when they're getting help to take a bath.

But there is a way to scare, and we don't want to be that organization.  We don't keep secrets. That is one of the ways we ensure kids have an open line of communication with their families and they have an open line of communication with their trusted adults.

Laura Stone is the co-executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County.

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