As the 2022-23 United Way of the Pennyrile Campaign moves ardently forward, it’s easy to forget where the funds might go once donated.
During Tuesday’s collaboration between Hopkinsville’s Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Candra Barnett delivered a powerful reminder of what non-profit support, and the money, means.
Director of the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center for the last decade, the nine-county support system is one of nearly 20 supported by The United Way. Barnett noted the organization sees more than 300 children annually who experience sexual and/or physical abuse.
And that’s just children who report it. One in 10 under the age of 18 will experience some form of sexual/physical abuse, and Barnett added that only 40% will discuss it with professionals.
In an effort to reduce reliving traumatic experiences, PCAC offers a one-stop shop for everything a child would need to tell the truth about an incident: medical assessments, mental health assessments, victims advocacy and referrals.
It can be expensive.
But it clearly can be extremely important.
Barnett noted these discussions can certainly be difficult conversations. Upon a first visit, victims complete a forensic interview and, often, a physical exam.
Barnett also issued that it’s vitally important to teach children, and sometimes adults, the importance of using correct anatomical terminology — so that potential victims aren’t left using vague language and descriptors for the abuse they’re experiencing.
It’s also important to remember that child sexual and physical abuse doesn’t particularly discriminate. Barnett said race, wealth and social status often don’t tell the full story of a victim.
During her tenure, Barnett said the youngest interview conducted was with a 3-year-old, while the youngest medical exam administered was for an 8-month-old.
Now located at 1910 South Virginia Street in Hopkinsville, another advocacy center is opening Wednesday in Madisonville, to help serve both Hopkins and Muhlenberg counties.
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