Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) River Cities Chapter

B.A.C.A. Mission Statement

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

Why is there a need for B.A.C.A.?
B.A.C.A. was founded by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, and Part-time faculty at Brigham Young University. The majority of his twenty plus years of practice has been spent in the treatment of abused children.
He was aware that the "System" offered much in the way of helping a child's healing process, yet, there were still shortcomings and limitations to keeping the children safe.
Even with Court involvement to protect children from further abuse by the issuance of protective orders and the removal of perpetrators from neighborhoods, it is physically impossible for law enforcement officials to provide protection for these children twenty-four hours a day, indefinitely. Child perpetrators are fully aware of this and continue to find ways to access and further harm their victims.
Many children that are abused do not qualify for therapy funding. Reasons vary, but the most common are: cases that did not meet the basic requirements of the rules of evidence, and are summarily closed or a child that has obviously been abused and is too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued. Children who feel safe and protected are more capable and likely to tell the truth regarding their abuse because threats made by an abuser are offset by the presence of dedicated, and protective bikers that have now become family.

Donation Levels are examples of where donated funds may be utilized. For instance, your donation of $10 could provide a child a B.A.C.A. coin to hold while they are testifying on the witness stand in court. Your donation of $12 provides an abuse child with a B.A.C.A. night light that shines our logo on their ceiling or wall. A $30 donation provides a B.A.C.A. blanket that represents our support and provides warmth and security to an abuse child. A $95 donation pays for one hour of counseling for an abuse child. Counseling is an integral part of healing for an abused child.

Testimonials

B.A.C.A. Makes a Difference
The following behaviors have been documented in the children B.A.C.A. supports:
--Improved Self Confidence
--Diminished Regressive Behavior
--Increased Feeling of Safety
--Empowerment to Testify
--Better Communication
--Reduced Feeling of Guilt
--Decreased Negative Behaviors
--A Sense of Belonging, Acceptance, Independence and Much More

It has been observed that wounded children having the benefit of a B.A.C.A. presence in their lives are far more likely to disclose their abuse. B.A.C.A. helps in the child's healing process to restore self-worth and confidence.