Itโs hard to imagine being a victim of abuse โ let alone experiencing it as a child. But thatโs the sad reality for many little ones around the world.
According to Childhelp, a report of child abuse is made in the United States every ten seconds.
For kids whose abusers are caught, another scary step that many of them must take involves going to court. As one can imagine, that would be very difficult (and terrifying) to stand up against a person who hurt you โ so having a strong support system would make a huge difference.
Thanks to members of an international motorcycle group, thatโs what these kids have.
Burly bikers consisting of men and women stand by their creed: โNo child deserves to live in fear.โ Known as Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc., or simply BACA, this global organization empowers abused kids through their physical strength, numbers, and tough attitude.
https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational/photos/2842408159192978
BACA helps make a difference for abused children who need suport.
In 1995, John Paul โChiefโ Lilly from Provo, Utah, came up with the idea for BACA. In the 25 years since first starting the organization, itโs expanded by opening chapters all over the United States. Not only is this a national endeavor, but also one that helps children in other countries.
โChiefโ had a specific idea in mind.
The goal was to allow bikers, many of them whoโd also been abused while growing up, to take a stand with kids as they go through the justice system to have their abusers prosecuted. Since a lot of children have to come face-to-face with the person who caused them harm, โChiefโ knew they needed backup.
https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational/photos/1404645772969231
The entire group is there for them.
When an abused child goes to court, thereโs not just one muscular biker in attendance but a whole group of them. If I were the perpetrator, Iโd be looking for a way to escape. With strong men and women standing with them, these kids find an internal strength they didnโt even know they had.
The BACA website explains it perfectly.
According to a statement on the organizationโs website, itโs clear what their intentions are.
โWe 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.โ
https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational/photos/a.226414654125688/766933576740457
They donโt just work alone.
The site goes on to explain that the members of BACA work with both local and stage officials already in place to help these kids. Along with the emotional support they provide, theyโre also there physically. Often, their burliness is what gives abused kids the courage to speak up, loud and clear.
https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational/photos/1696056790494793
This organization is multifaceted.
Often, people with Child Protective Services, private therapists, and even clergymen reach out to BACA for help. Initially, a representative from BACA meets with the child, whoโs then assigned two caseworkers to serve as their points of contact.
These children even receive a special BACA vest, signifying theyโre now a part of this incredible pack and if wanted, theyโre taken for a motorcycle ride.
https://www.facebook.com/BikersAgainstChildAbuseInternational/photos/1882463041854166
The children donโt have to be victims any longer.
Instead, they become warriors with the best team possible backing them up. Letโs face it, the last thing an abuser wants is to mess with one of these guys. If approved by the judge, members of BACA attend court proceedings.
The change in how these children handle the process is obvious. Rather than cower down, they stand in confidence.
As one member stated,
โWhen we get involved, these kids gain self-confidence. They beam, do better in school, and theyโre not afraid anymore. And thatโs what we do, we give them their lives back.โ
No child should ever be abused. Fortunately, BACA is there to help support the youngsters in our world who sadly do become victims.
Watch the video below to learn more about this incredible and life-changing organization!
