Our program last Wednesday was presented by Ms. French, the President of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.).  She told us that a child is abused in the US every eight minutes. She also shared with us that by the age of 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are abused.  Another disturbing statistic she shared with us is that one third of those abused grow up to become abusers.

 

B.A.C.A. was formed in Texas in 1998 and exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children.  It exists as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.  It stands ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization.  It works in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children.  Its desire is to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is a part of their organization, and that they are prepared to lend their physical and emotional support to them by affiliation and their physical presence.  It stands at the ready to shield these children from further abuse.  It does not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that they are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, they stand ready to be that obstacle.  This is the mission statement of B.A.C.A.

 

B.A.C.A. does not seek out abused children.  They only become involved through referrals.  They are on the same level as C.A.S.A.  When they are referred to an abused child, they visit the child and his or her family.  After becoming acquainted with the child, a short ceremony takes place where the child receives a stuffed animal and a jacket and are declared a member of the B.A.C.A. family. 

 

Every B.A.C.A. member has undergone a background check.  They are then required to undergo a year of training before they can become a child’s primary contact.  Two B.A.C.A. members are assigned as the child’s primary contacts.  They will remain in close contact with the child and will support each child based upon their individual needs. 

 

A four-year study by professionals in the field has revealed the B.A.C.A. children achieve a statistical significance in:       

This greatly contributes to expediting the overall healing of the child on many levels, so their fear is quickly replaced with confidence.

 

Ms. French told a story about a boy who, after suffering abuse, had not left his home for over a year.  After bonding with B.A.C.A. members, he began going out and riding his bike again.  His mother contacted B.A.C.A. to tell them how happy she was that he was doing the things he did before the abuse occurred.

 

B.A.C.A.’s help line is 866-71ABUSE. Its website is BACAworld.org.  It is a 501c-3 organization if anyone wants to contribute.