When did the center start?  

We started in 2010. We have 12 board members that are very diverse. We have doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, victims – just an array of people in our community. We are also completely funded by grants and fundraising as a not-for-profit. 

If there is one thing you would want people to know, what is it?

 Abuse doesn’t always look like what people think it does. It is not always strangers. In fact, most of the time it is someone the child knows and trusts that is abusing them. Pay attention to signs of grooming, where someone is giving too much special attention to a child or wanting time alone with a child. Ninety-eight percent of the cases we deal with involve sexual abuse. 

How many children do you serve a year? 

We serve between 150-200 children a year. This doesn’t include the Body Safety classes that we teach in all of Boone County schools. We also do courtesy interviews for surrounding counties sometimes. 

What is it about Sylvia Likens’ (the namesake) story that still resonates with the community? 

At the time, Boone County was small, and it was the county’s first big case. Many people knew about what was happening to Sylvia, and no one said anything. It is mandatory to report now, which means if you even suspect child abuse of any kind, you are required by law to report it. Unfortunately, there is still abuse and people still not reporting it. 

How do you think the center is unique in helping children?  

We bring the victim into a child-friendly environment and make them feel comfortable. We also help them to get all the services they need, whether it be assistance or counseling. We follow up with them and make sure they are getting help.  

Is there anything new at the center? 

We are in the process of getting all the grant money we need for new equipment. The equipment we have now allows a child to only have to tell his/her story once. We are able to bring the victim and the multi-disciplinary team (law enforcement, DCS, prosecutor, and the CAC) all to the center the same day so that they can be present during interview and make sure that they have all the information they need to further the investigation. This ensures that the child is only interviewed one time.   Otherwise, they could be interviewed several times, which just adds to their trauma. 

The new camera and audio equipment we are trying to get will be of better quality, so we can see facial expressions and be able to clearly hear everything the child says during the interview. 

How can the people of Boone County help? 

They can educate their children and themselves. They can also donate to the center. The best way to do that is on our website (www.sylviascac.org). Our biggest fundraiser is the First Ladies of Boone County and Hoops for Heroes, so people can also participate in those.

Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center is located at  218 E. Washington St. in Lebanon. Phone: 765-484-8410