At our Children’s Advocacy Center, we are privileged to witness countless moments of  courage, resilience, and healing every day. One of the most memorable stories is that of  Genesis, a 7-year-old girl who endured both physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her  mother. Her mother had threatened her, warning her that if she ever told anyone about the  “bad stuff” that was happening, she would be punished. This fear led Genesis to push  down her feelings and confusion. Eventually, she reached a breaking point, no longer  wanting to see her mother. It was her foster mother and therapist who, noticing the signs of  trauma, helped Genesis find the courage to speak out. They reached out to DCFS and law  enforcement, which led to an interview at our center. 

When Genesis first arrived at the Children’s Advocacy Center, she was shy, quiet, and  uncertain. She had been through so much, and the idea of talking about what happened  was overwhelming. But as soon as she met her advocate, the atmosphere began to  change. The advocate got down to her level, greeted her warmly, and offered her snacks  and drinks. That simple gesture of kindness made all the difference. Genesis’s face lit up  with a big smile. As she saw the playdough, coloring books, and other comforting items  around her, the tension in her body slowly started to ease. She could sense that she was in  a safe space, where she wouldn’t be judged or dismissed. 

The forensic interview was another important step in Genesis’s journey. With each  reassuring word from the interviewer— “You can tell me anything. I’m here to listen”, what  followed was a powerful, emotional exchange. The child, clearly concerned, turned to the  interviewer with caution and asked, “I can tell you anything? Because there is something  that is really bad.” It was a pivotal moment—a mix of vulnerability and a desperate need to  protect those around them from the pain they were about to reveal. During the interview,  the child began to speak her truth; with each word, they became stronger, more confident.  After the interview concluded, the interviewer praised the child for their bravery, telling  them, “You are so smart and spoke so well—you could be a lawyer!” The child, glowing with  a newfound sense of empowerment, responded with a smile, “I’ll be your lawyer!” 

When the interview concluded, Genesis ran to the advocate waiting nearby, bursting with  joy. “Guess what?! I said everything! I got it off my chest and I’m going to let it all go now!” The weight they had carried for so long had finally been lifted, and with it, came a profound  sense of relief and pride. That day, Genesis left our CAC not just with a sense of relief, but  with an inner strength that would carry her forward in the journey of healing. No longer  burdened by the secret they had kept hidden, they walked out feeling empowered and  ready to move on from the pain of the past. This is just one of many stories that  demonstrate the profound impact of the services we provide. Every day, children walk through our doors filled with fear and uncertainty, and leave with a renewed sense of hope,  strength, and healing.