Counselors and Bikers Collaborate to Empower Abused Children

• Published in: Journal of creativity in mental health Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 35 - 48
• Main Authors: Sawyer, Cheryl, Judd, Rebecca G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01-01-2012; Routledge
• Subjects: Abused children; Bikers Against Child Abuse; Child Abuse; Child Safety; Child Welfare; Children; Cooperation; Counseling; Counseling Techniques; Counselors; creativity; Empowerment; Family; Friendship; Interpersonal Competence; Intervention; Membership; Perception; Prevention; relationships; Safety; therapy; Tragedy; Victims of Crime
• ISSN: 1540-1383; 1540-1391
• DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2012.661243

Child abuse is a tragedy that harms children psychologically, emotionally, and physically while disrupting healthy development. Many abused children live in terror of the accused perpetrator, court proceedings, and complications associated with abandonment from family and friends. Aligned with relational and creative counseling practice, a little-known resource exists to assist mental health practitioners who treat these children. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) is an organization built on the power of human relationships with a mission to empower children by providing a sense of safety. This article includes information on the history, membership requirements, and interventions provided by BACA. Counselors working with abused children have a complimentary resource through BACA that may facilitate growth-fostering relationships and the sense of safety needed by victims of abuse.