DCAC therapists, Rob Bullard and Rachael Staats, reply to a caregiver's question, “ How Do I Respond If My Child Discloses Abuse?” Although it is a daunting question we'd rather think we'll never need to answer, with the reality of child abuse statistics, this is a question more caregivers may need answers on than we wish was true. The good news is studies have found a child having a supporting & believing caregiver is the number one indicator of their success in healing from child abuse or trauma. Whether you are a caregiver who has walked through this in the past, are currently, or anyon ..read more

On this episode of the Teaming Against Trauma podcast our host, Brooke Anderson, shares about prevention strategies for you to prepare your children to live the safest and healthiest lives possible. Prevention is the ultimate goal when it comes to child abuse. The knowledge Brooke shares will help parents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, teachers, and anyone who interacts with children to prepare well for preventing abuse and harm. While it is our responsibility as adults to protect children, we can do that by sharing  knowledge with them, but first we must equip ourselves. Learn more about wh ..read more

DCAC has partnered with South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) for many years to ensure quality care for the clients we serve. Jessica Goodwin, SCVAN’s Faith Based Victim Service Program Coordinator, shares about initiatives they are taking with victim service providers around the state, specifically with the faith community as well as tackling teen dating violence (TDV). With a heart to equip South Carolina to care well for victims of various crimes and trauma, Jessica gives us up-to-date information that will enhance our resources for the good of those unjustly affected by trauma ..read more

On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and in honor of January being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we brought our very own experts onto the podcast to share! Nicole Hoffman and Allyson Morin are CSEC Coordinators (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) at DCAC. On this episode they talk about what human trafficking is, what is looks like locally, how DCAC and our MDT partners are responding, and most importantly for you- what you can do about it! We need you on our team to stop Human Trafficking, so don't miss out on this important episode. Educate yourself and share your knowle ..read more

Ana Black is one of three Victim Advocates at DCAC. Victim advocates have a critical role in the CAC model as they are often families' main and sometimes only resource of support during their time of crisis. The victim advocate’s role embodies what DCAC believes every child and family needs, as Ana puts it, “walking to the family in order to walk with them.” Learning more about what victim advocates do will give you insight into the heart of the CAC model and help you better support people in our community experiencing crisis.  Questions about the episode? Contact community@dorchestercac ..read more

Revered Carrie Nettles is a Chaplain and Victim Service Provider at the Julie Valentine Children’s Advocacy Center in Greenville, SC. As the first ever Chaplain to work at a CAC in the US, Carrie has led the way for spirituality to be a component offered at CACs for the overall healing for clients we serve. For many survivors of abuse, spirituality plays a major role in their healing journey. Carrie graciously shares her experience in caring for the spiritual needs of CAC clients and how her role as a Chaplain places her in the gap between bridging the mental health and faith communities. Carr ..read more

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest public health studies ever conducted on childhood trauma and the correlation of health and well-being later on in life. It proved, with scientific evidence, that adversity early in life increases physical, mental, and behavioral health problems later in life. Brooke Anderson, Director of Prevention & Outreach at DCAC and host of the Teaming Against Trauma Podcast, is an ACE Master Trainer. She explains how the ACE study's conclusions on neurodevelopment of children who experience high levels of trauma could effect the rest ..read more

“Trauma-informed” is a term that is gaining more attention in various fields of work. So what does it mean when it comes to therapy? DCAC Clinical Director, Millicent Fowler, and Assistant Director, Rob Bullard, share about trauma-informed therapy and how DCAC utilizes trauma-focused models to meet our clients' needs. Specializing in childhood trauma, DCAC recognizes the importance of educating the public on how trauma affects children and their families as well as how they can heal from it. We believe using the gold standards of evidence-based trauma-focused therapies, healing is possible. Mi ..read more

Arthenius Jackson Colvin is the perfect survivor to end our Summer of Survivors mini series with. Arthenius uses her voice to pierce through the darkness of her own story and now the stories of many others. If you listen to the episode you'll even get to hear one of the songs she's written- how she is the butterfly she was created to be. Arthenius wants everyone to know that healing, growth, and freedom is possible for them too! You can listen to Arthenius every other Tuesday evening on Blog Talk Radio where she is featured on the Purpose Kingdom Network. Follow along with what is happening a ..read more

Brad Jayne is a well known Filmmaker and Commercial Director local to the Lowcountry. He is passionate about storytelling and in this episode Brad courageously shares about his own story of healing through childhood trauma. Inspired by his experience, Brad is currently working on a project called, “The Purpose of Winter”, to shed light on the important issue of childhood sexual abuse. Expectant of the impact this film will make, Brad shares how the vison for it came to be and how you could get involved.  For more information on this project or to contact Brad directly, see the links below ..read more