Angela Williams gives us the privilege to learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences from her story of childhood trauma. What we can learn from Angela’s story is powerful and gives us the ability to understand trauma in a more person-centered way. Angela shares how the abuse she endured affected her childhood and adulthood years which eventually led her to seek healing. As an author of numerous books, she encourages survivors, parents, and anyone who cares for children with prevention and treatment methods to embrace resilience and determination that leads to hope & healing. Angela’s journe ..read more

In our final episode of the Digital Summer Series, Detective Heidkamp from the Summerville Police Department shares about investigating internet crimes against children (ICAC) cases. As our first Law Enforcement Officer on the show, Detective Heidkamp brings a fresh perspective on how the CAC works with Law Enforcement. With her specialty being in ICAC Cases, Detective Heidkamp shares about the innovative way her beloved dog, Gripple, helps investigate these cases with her.  If you find child sexual abuse material on an online device: Immediately take the phone to your local law enforcem ..read more

We’re kicking off our Digital Summer Series with the first line of defense- PREVENTION! The ultimate goal of child protection is to prevent it from happening in the first place. DCAC’s Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, Grace Carulli, joins us on the podcast for the first time since being an employee at DCAC. She spoke on last year’s CAP Month episode, but since joining the DCAC Team, Grace has gained great knowledge about the topic of digital safety. Since it is one of the most commonly asked for training’s, she’s helped develop the curriculum and train numerous parents & teens on preve ..read more

 With summer just around the corner, this timely conversation with DCAC Clinical Support Director, Lyndsey Smith,  sheds light on preparing for a safe and healthy summer. Brooke and Lyndsey discuss reporting, free time, camps, and screen time and more. With the conversation centering around these topics, you and children in your life will be better equip for an enjoyable summer ahead!  Visit the references mentioned to learn more: American Camp Association - www.acacamps.org NetSmartz- MissingKids.org/netsmartz/resources#overview CyberTipline- Report.Cybertip.org Take It Down ..read more

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