By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA), a worldwide organization meant to empower abused children across the globe has been serving since 1995.
The Smoky Hill Chapter since 2012, has empowered various abused children locally.
Smoky Hill Chapter, Vice President "Tater" and Secretary "Chef" along with 10 plus members, are passionate about changing these children's lives for the better.
"Our mission is help empower children that have been through any form of abuse, to help them not feel afraid of the world they live in," said Chef.
BACA serves any child who has experienced any form of abuse under the age of 18.
According Tater, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys have experienced abuse.
Tater said when these children go to court to testify against the perpetrator, they want to get them strong enough in their minds to do so. BACA members go to the courthouse with the children as well.
According to the organization, the answer to a question of "Why is there a need?" stated the following:
Child abuse remains a significant worldwide concern. It is impractical for law enforcement officials to physically shield these children twenty-four hours a day. BACA can provide that shield. Children who feel safe and secure are more capable and likely to tell the truth regarding their abuse.
There are a total of five chapters in Kansas, with other chapters in over 20 different countries across the world.
"The big picture of what we experience alot, is just seeing the change in these kids from the very first visit through court to their graduation (from BACA)," said Chef.
BACA was founded in 1995 (Provo, UT) by JP “Chief” Lilly, with the single narrow focus of empowering abused children. That mission continues today and has grown into a worldwide biker organization, with the international board, a multitude of members and hundreds of chapters.
Chief was 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 was spent in the treatment of abused children.
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 previously been abused and is too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued.
Chief noted that 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 protective bikers that have now become family.
For more information about BACA, click here.
To visit the BACA International Facebook page, click here.
Click here for the BACA Smoky Hill Chapter website and to make a donation.