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Knape: Sexual violence resources available in Arizona

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Arizona’s Children Association trauma specialty services serve children and their families who have experienced any type of trauma.

In addition to general trauma support, under the Victims of Crime Act grant the AzCA Las Familias Program provides specialized services to individuals and families who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and trauma.

Services are provided regardless of insurance benefit at no cost to the individual, which include crisis support, victim advocacy, assessment, treatment and crisis planning, individual, family, and group counseling services.

Sexual abuse treatment is not just for the survivor but for the entire family.

AzCA trauma-trained clinicians utilize a family systems approach including evidence-based, best practice interventions to guide and support individuals and families along their journey to lasting healing.

The Children’s Program utilizes a combination of individual, family and group therapies inclusive of psychoeducation to process trauma, improve family dynamics, establish healthy boundaries and learn critical coping skills.

The Adults Molested as Children Program explores the consequences of abuse across the life span, helping victims to recognize triggers and symptoms while developing positive and healthy coping skills to improve quality of life.

The Non-Offending Parent Program assists parents and caregivers whose children were victims of sexual abuse and trauma in understanding the dynamics of sexual abuse, molestation and the behaviors of children who have been abused while working toward supporting their child in their healing process and strengthening appropriate parent-child relationships.

The trauma resulting from sexual violence can impact survivors and those close to them in a variety of ways at different times.

Arizona’s Children Association is here to help and offer support throughout the journey to healing.

If you are in a crisis, please call 1-800-656-4673 to reach the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network hotline.

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child please call 1 800 SOS Child, 911, or your local nonemergency law enforcement line.

For information surrounding sexual violence contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org/about-sexual-assault.

Editor’s note: Polly Knape is director of special programs at Arizona’s Children Association. Visit www.ArizonasChildren.org.