“You’re an overcomer,” is the message that Sarah Schenek, coordinator for the Dell Hayden Memorial Advocacy Center (CAC), wants to send to victims of childhood sexual abuse.
About one in ten children will be sexually abused before they turn 18, according to a study from Darkness to Light.
Bringing light to the darkness is the goal of CAC. Opened in November of 2012,  it offers a place where children can be interviewed  and comforted in a non-threatening environment. It is a program of the Family Crisis Center, which houses both the Domestic and Sexual Violence Center and CAC in Great Bend, 1924 Broadway.
Since  CAC opened, 160 children primarily from Barton County have been served, some of whom were too young to talk. Eighty-five percent of those were victims of sexual abuse, said Schenek. In 2013, 113 cases were served and 92 of those were sexual abuse.
CAC is a non-profit organization that provides forensic interviews, family advocacy, case tracking and reviews, referral services and community education.
Schenek refers all abuse victims for therapy. She recommends choosing a therapist who is trauma trained.
“An event such as sexual abuse can stop life dead still if you let it,” said Schenek. “People can stop growing emotionally.
“We ask children to tell about what has happened,” she said. “Truly people are scared to talk about sexual abuse. Adult reactions are really important and can either support or deter a child from disclosure.”
What she values most about her job is giving kids a voice. “Many times these cases don’t go to prosecution,” she said. “We give them the opportunity to tell someone. We’re willing to listen and not judge.”
Schenek is a trained forensic interviewer. She conducts interviews with children that are recorded and used as evidence in cases so that the child does not have to be interviewed multiple times, all at CAC. She holds a monthly meeting with law enforcement, Department of Children and Families, medical professionals, mental health professionals and the county attorney and others, coordinating efforts.
The CAC also houses a fully equipped room for medical exams for the children. Currently, there is only one trained nurse to conduct exams documenting abuse for both the DSVC and CAC . Most exams for the DSVC are conducted at the hospital while most children’s exams are at CAC.
It is a “desperate need,” to have more trained nurses, said Schenek. If the nurse they have is out of the office for a couple of days, children and adults needing medical exams have to be driven to Hutch or Hays.
Something else the facility could use is a high resolution camera to document abuse for court purposes. The divisions of the Family Crisis Center are funded by grants, local donations and the United Way of Central Kansas.
Schenek also emphasized that it is someone known to the family that commits sexual abuse, rarely strangers. She estimated that 3-5 percent of sexual abuse is by strangers, 39 percent of sexual abuse is a family member, and the remainder is by a family friend or family member.
This area has an abundance of family issues. “Barton County has the highest out of home placement per capita in the  state,” said Schenek. Theories for the reason include poverty and availability of drugs.
But, there is one thing anybody can do.
“Reporting is crucial for every child,” said Schenek. “It is when you are in the store and turn your head because it is none of your business. . . that child needs you.  Don’t let them suffer because you as an adult are uncomfortable. Call DCF or law enforcement.”
The 24 hour crisis line is 620-792-1885 or 866-792-1885.