Center helps
abuse victims
Peachtree – Child abuse is so prevalent today that every April is set aside to help bring awareness to the growing number of cases nationwide.
Cherokee and Clay counties are no different, as officials say the number of cases has grown exponentially over the years. Several different agencies help combat child abuse in the area – including the Departments of Social Services, Guardian ad Litem and Reach Inc. – but the area also has a special place dedicated to helping victims of abuse in HAVEN Children’s Advocacy Center.
Established in 2005 and led today by Executive Director Anna James, HAVEN is a nationally accredited center that aims to serve those in need by reducing the trauma of violence committed against children. The center also works to educate the community about how to prevent future violence and strengthen the prosecution of offenders.
This mission is achieved through treatment services that are available to all children and non-offending family members in need free of charge. However, that hasn’t come easy, as the N.C. General Assembly’s budget stalemate with Gov. Roy Cooper has resulted in significant funding delays. Thankfully, groups like the Dogwood Trust, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Evergreen Foundation – along with local churches, charities and individuals – have come through with grants and donations to help the center continue through the budget crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.
When there is concern that a child has been abused, a referral is sent from law enforcement, DSS and/or the District Attorney’s Office allowing HAVEN to perform a forensic interview in an inviting, safe and child-friendly environment. That interview is the initial step in determining the need for investigation, mental health/medical treatment, intervention, prosecution, advocacy and – most importantly – how to protect the child’s physical safety and emotional well-being.
“After serving about 1,800 children from birth through age 18 since opening our doors 15 years ago, HAVEN recognizes the vital need for our wide range of advocacy and services for abused and neglected children,” James said. “We serve individuals through free and confidential services that are essential to their protection and healing.”
Those services include the forensic interviews, child medical exams, individual and family counseling, court/legal advocacy, court preparation, facilitation of multidisciplinary teams and ongoing follow-up visits. HAVEN does not discriminate, James added, and tries to treat everyone as unique individuals who deserve healing and recovery.
The numbers are tragic. In 2019, HAVEN served 132 children and their non-offending family members, and 80 percent of these victims know their abuser. The agency provided and paid for 104 forensic interviews, more than 200 sessions of counseling, attended numerous court sessions and spent thousands of hours on advocacy.
Advocacy includes providing direct services, like crisis counseling/emotional support, food, clothing, school supplies, domestic violence services, protective orders and the coordination of/financial assistance for indirect services. That includes counseling, medical/dental services, legal services, shelter, transportation, mentoring programs, day care, child support, anger management classes, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment and Medicaid.
“HAVEN’s commitment to victims of child abuse has not wavered in times of financial distress,” James said. “From the moment a child and family are welcomed at our center, we aim to value and understand their experiences, viewpoints and lifestyle.”
While some people think abuse only happens in certain types of families, the numbers show it can happen to different age groups, races, ethnicities, religions and socioeconomic classes.
“They all share one thing in common – their journey begins at HAVEN,” James said. “Our center works diligently to support child and adult survivors of abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking by ensuring all necessary provisions are made, including those for children that have a disability.”
HAVEN is overseen by a volunteer board of local directors, with Cherokee Scout Publisher/Editor David Brown serving as chairman for 2019-20. The office is at 4297 U.S. 64 E. Alternate, behind Peachtree Family Eye Care. For details or to get help, see HAVEN’s page on Facebook or call James at 837-5872.