Fall Newsletter 2010
A Day in the Life of the CAC 
For outsiders, the work of the Child Advocacy Center can be a mystery. Our work is very confidential and we are unable to post the pictures of the kids we serve on our website or in the newspaper. Children who suffer from child abuse are often invisible to the greater community. These children exist. They live in your neighborhoods and attend your schools. They need you to protect them.
Recently a teenager visited the CAC. She had been abused by a family friend. She did not report the abuse because her abuser had made her believe the abuse was her fault. Eventually one of her brothers found out about the abuse and she admitted it was true. Upon entering the CAC, this young girl became extremely emotional, expressing anger towards her abuser. She had trusted him and he betrayed her. She sat with the crisis service advocate in the waiting room and the CAC process was explained to her. She was allowed to ask as many questions as she wanted and when she was feeling comfortable, she met with a forensic interviewer and told her entire story of sexual abuse.
This teen walked out of the CAC a different person from when she had entered. She held her head up high, no longer feeling fearful, rather brave and empowered in being able to tell her story. This teen said that she felt like a burden had been lifted and she knew that her abuser would not hurt her again.
This young lady has begun her journey of healing. Connected to therapy, she is able to find the coping skills she needs to move forward from this trauma. Because of her bravery, the police were able to arrest her abuser and he is currently awaiting trial.
Child Advocacy Executive Team
The Child Advocacy Center board of directors elected a new executive team in October. The board of directors helps to form the vision for the future of the CAC and raises the funds needed to provide quality services to child victims of crime. Every member of the board is dedicated to the mission of the CAC and their personal contributions of time, talent and treasure are admirable. Please join the CAC in welcoming our new executive team:
- Frank Mossett, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. – President
- Patricia LaFrance, Assistant County Attorney – Vice President
- Christopher K. Hodgdon, Comcast – Treasurer
- Sara Varela, AmericaWorks – Secretary
Welcome Erin Battis ~ New Forensic Interviewer 
Erin Battis joined the team at the Child Advocacy Center in September as our new forensic interviewer. Erin has been with the CAC for over a year serving as intake coordinator through the Americorp Victim Advocate Program. Erin demonstrates a compassion for child victims and their families. She makes an excellent addition to our forensic interviewing team.
Save the Date ~ Annual Gala Planned
The fourth annual Child Advocacy Center Gala will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. This year’s theme will be All that Glitters – get your party shoes shined! Last year’s event was an elegant Black & White Ball, raising more than $106,000 for child victims of crime. Join us again this year! Call the CAC if you are interested in helping out on the planning committee.
Practical Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe
As difficult as it can be to imagine, children are most often abused by adults who they know and love. Parents need practical advice to protect their children from sexual abuse. 
- Do not insist that your children hug or kiss relatives or friends. Let children express affection on their own terms.
- Let children know their feelings are important to you. Encourage them to come to you when they feel uncomfortable. Ask you child about their feelings when they appear uncomfortable.
- Teach your children the appropriate names for body parts. As they develop, begin to talk with them about private parts, good touches & bad touches.
- Play the “What if…” game with your children. This is a great way to reinforce safety issues with your child. “What if a stranger asked you to come in their car?” “What if someone you knew touched your private parts?”
- Know where your children spend their time and with whom. Be cautious if an adult wants to spend private time with your child.
- Make unannounced visits to your child’s nursery, daycare or school. Doing this raises awareness among caregivers and reinforces the responsibility they have for the safety of the children they care for.
Community Partners
The Child Advocacy Center of Hillsborough County has made new friends this summer, helping to spread the word about child abuse prevention and raising much needed funds and supplies for daily operations.
- Margaritas of Nashua hosted the CAC at their Full Moon Madness
events raising $971 for child victims of crime. Cheers to all that made this possible! - Borders of Nashua held two drives for the CAC – a book drive and a stuffed animal drive. Their support ensures all children who visit the CAC leave with a special gift to help them on the road to recovery.
- ADK, a woman’s sorority in Nashua, has become a great friend of the CAC. Each month they call and ask what we need. They have donated diapers, snacks, arts & crafts and chocolate for our team members. Hats off to these wonderful women!
- Ms. Martin is a local resident who is passionate about children. She is determined to make the CAC more comfortable for young children and teens alike. She has donated hundreds of teddy bears for our young visitors and games for teenagers to enjoy. Our very own CAC angel!
