Colorado Children's Alliance

Did you know? A recent study came out that sought to identify the prevalence of sexual grooming behaviors in cases of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). While our field has plenty of anecdotal data that shows grooming is present in many CSA cases, the authors of the study found that there is a general lack of scientific data showing the same. This study found that 99% of the participants (all adult survivors of CSA) were groomed as part of their abuse. Participants experienced an average of 14.25 grooming behaviors, per person, as children. This data backs up what we already know: child sexual abuse often starts with grooming, which can be identified by other adults. This means we can educate communities on what to watch for, in order to prevent some cases of child sexual abuse. Source: Winters, G. M., Jeglic, E. L., Johnson, B. N., & Chou, C. (2024). The prevalence of sexual grooming behaviors among survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Child abuse & neglect, 154, 106842. Advance online publication. https://buff.ly/3AqRmFA

As children are coming back to school, they may disclose instances of abuse or neglect that occurred over the summer. These disclosures can be challenging for teachers, who might not know what to do in these circumstances. CCA has put together some guidance, in collaboration with the Colorado Office of School Safety, on how to handle a disclosure from a child. What to Ask: Ask only the necessary information you need to make a report. You will need to report your suspicions and the child’s account, along with any previous suspicions to that child or a family member. You do NOT need detailed information about alleged incidents, and you should not ask the child for this information. A trained child forensic interviewer will get those details at the appropriate time, in collaboration with case investigators. How to React: React calmly. It can be challenging, but don’t get emotional. This is the child’s moment to disclose, and they might feel like they have done the wrong thing, or need to comfort you, if you get upset. Next Steps: You are a mandatory reporter under Colorado law. You must report immediately to law enforcement and the child abuse hotline (844-CO-4-KIDS, or 844-264-5437). Once the report is made, law enforcement and/or Child Welfare will begin their investigations of the case. Do’s and Don’ts -Do: Remain calm. Listen to the child and let them speak without interruption. Reassure the child and let them know that this is not their fault. Let the child know you have to report and tell them what may happen next. -Don’t: Promise results. Panic. Make judgments or negative comments about the alleged offender. Share the information widely.

Today is National Nonprofit Day! Thank you for your support of CCA and child advocacy centers!

The Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (Proposition KK) will be on the Colorado ballot on November 5th. This bill passed the State Legislature through HB24-1349, and this initiative will offer a lifeline for Colorado victim service organizations. The tax: Sellers will be taxed 6.5% on all retail sales of firearms and ammunition. This tax is estimated to raise $30 million for organizations in Colorado who provide direct services to victims of crime. These funds will help offset the coming cuts to VOCA funds over the next few years, and will allow organizations to meet the increased demands for victim services. Additional revenue will be granted for veteran and youth mental health services, along with school safety programs in Colorado. Who benefits? Any organization in Colorado who serves victims of crime will be eligible to receive these funds. These organizations are primarily system-based (law enforcement and prosecution victim services) and community-based advocacy groups. What are victim services? Victim services are provided to anyone who is a primary or secondary victim of a crime. Anyone can be a victim of any crime, and anyone who is a victim can access these services from system-based or community-based advocacy groups. Well-funded victim service programs benefit the entire state. This initiative will help stop criminal and child predators; support veterans, who served our country and now need our help; and will help the innocent victims of criminals. Support child advocacy centers, and all victim-serving organizations, by supporting this initiative on your ballot in November.

Today we want to spotlight one of CCA’s staff members. Christina McGhghy is our Training Coordinator, and she makes up one-half of the organization. Christina plans, organizes, and facilitates all CCA-owned trainings, including our state protocols for forensic interviewing and victim advocacy. She also has recently created our excellent new training, the MDT Facilitator Foundational Training. We’re so grateful to have you on board, Christina!

Hear from a client and a caregiver about their experiences at CACs in Colorado. Our centers do incredible work every day, and it is wonderful to see feedback like this.

CCA recently conducted a survey with multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners around the state. We wanted to know what the impact would be to Colorado children and communities if our child advocacy centers had to shut down. While we do not anticipate CACs closing, we wanted to highlight the importance of CACs’ work in the face of #VOCAcuts next year. Our survey reiterated what we have known: CACs are essential. Over 230 partners responded from every corner of the state. 94% of the respondents stated that the impact to victims of child abuse would be massive or catastrophic. We also asked respondents to share the costs their agencies would have to absorb. We have not finished the analysis on these responses, but the narrative text showed that our partners will be greatly impacted if CACs are not around to provide services. It will be critical for our CACs to find additional, sustainable funding. Federal funding through VOCA grants is facing severe shortages, while the demands for CAC services are only increasing. This survey highlights the partnerships in Colorado that will also be affected when our CACs struggle to serve children. Keep an eye out for the full survey report later this month!

This week, our Executive Director Ashley Jellison and Zach Carlson from the Denver Children's Advocacy Center met with Representative Pettersen in Washington, DC to talk about child advocacy centers in Colorado and the coming VOCA cuts. It was great to be able to highlight our CACs' important work in the state, as well as to explore possible solutions to upcoming funding concerns.

Yesterday, our Executive Director Ashley Jellison was invited to attend the signing of HB24-1072 into law with Colorado's Lieutenant Governor. CCA is proud to have supported and testified on this bill, which will offer greater protections to victims of sexual assault. This will also prevent victims of child sexual abuse from being accused of a false report if the allegation was not taken seriously, an unfortunately common problem if the victim has been assaulted again later in life. Thank you Representatives Shannon Bird and Lisa Frizell, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Fields for your important work on this bill.

Last Thursday, CCA was thrilled to be at the Colorado Capitol as part of a joint day with the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Violence Free Colorado. Ten of our CACs were represented and we enjoyed meeting with state legislators throughout the day. #DayattheCapitol