Hero’s Haven Child Advocacy Center Cuts Ribbon on Two New Services at Clarksburg Main Street Facility

According to WDTV, Hero’s Haven Child Advocacy Center showcased two new services Wednesday to support child abuse victims emotionally and physically, including a new medical center and a new therapy room.

The new medical center brings two forensic nurse examiners inside to talk with children who have been victims of abuse.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Meredith Pheasant said it is important to reassure children and their families that their bodies will be okay after they have suffered through abuse.

“Anywhere from any physical consequences, psychological, emotional consequences can come from that experience,” Pheasant said. “One of the coolest things that Torrie [Squires] and I get to do is that we get to answer those questions and identify any concerns that a patient might be having when they do come and see us.”

The new room will allow children who have suffered through abuse to talk about their experience in front of people who can help them and be cared for physically under the same roof.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Torrie Squires said the exams are designed to be interactive.

“We often make our medical exams fun and interactive,” Squires said. “The children help us a lot during the exams. I hope in the future that it kind of sets a thought process or an expectation that it’s not scary to seek medical care if something happens. And if you’re worried about your body, you can come in and it’s not going to be scary. Everyone is very kind; it’s a fun experience.”

Hero’s Haven also showed off its new therapy room, a place where victims can receive emotional care and support.

Executive Director Patty Saunders said children often experience significant trauma after abuse, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help them work through some of their trauma.

“When they come here, they tell the worst things that has happened in anyone’s life. A lot of times before they walk out the door, I hear, ‘when can I come back?’ because they feel safe here. So, we have started therapy in-house because this is their safe haven. This is the Hero’s Haven,” Saunders said.

The new services add to what Hero’s Haven has already done for children for the last 21 years.

Children who have experienced abuse can visit for a forensic interview alongside their protective caregiver in a child-friendly environment with an interviewer specially trained for these situations.

Hero’s Haven works with an investigative team of law enforcement officers and prosecutors who sit in another room and watch the interview live. Saunders said when looking at the numbers in Taylor County, the prosecution rate for offenders has increased since beginning this process.

“It takes our funders. It takes our team. It takes the community. It takes those protecting caregivers to help make these kids survivors. And to see these kids survivors, there’s no words to explain that. It’s just… there truly is just no words to explain when you see a child become a survivor,” Saunders said.

Hero’s Haven serves children in Harrison, Doddridge, Barbour and Taylor counties and conducted 622 interviews last year.

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of the Hero’s Haven Child Advocacy Center WV Facebook page.