At what it calls a “crucial time for many children, youth and families,” Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Vernon is urging residents of the North Okanagan region to learn more about its services, spread the word and take action.
The call comes for Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2022, May 15 to 21.
Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre works closely with community partners to increase safety and provide services to children, youth, and their families. It is a safe space where people ages 18 and younger who have experienced or witnessed abuse or violence can receive the support they need.
Children and youth attend Oak Centre to be interviewed by police and social workers in a safe and comfortable environment, eliminating the need to attend different agencies and offices for multiple interviews. This helps to simplify the reporting process and prevent additional trauma for victims.
“Once a child, youth and family are connected to us we work with all the relevant organizations to ensure that the child and family are receiving the support they require,” says Brooke McLardy, Oak Centre’s manager.
Abuse and violence against children and youth can take many forms including physical, sexual and emotional abuse which can be perpetuated by either adults or peers.
After school closures in 2020, Oak Centre saw an alarming influx of reports. Since then, cases of abuse and violence against children and youth have become increasingly complex.
“Caregivers and children are dealing with a decline in mental health and overall capacity during these difficult times which makes healing after abuse more complicated, requiring a holistic and nimble response,” says McLardy.
Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is urging residents of the North Okanagan to spread awareness about its services, take action when needed, and make donations through its parent organization, Archway Society for Domestic Peace.
Oak Centre is also encouraging youth and children who have experienced or witnessed abuse or violence to reach out to receive the help they need.
“We see more and more youth reaching out to us either through their school counsellor, another helper or directly,” says McLardy. “We work with young people to make informed choices about what to do and connect them to the supports they need.”
To contact Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre for more information, please fill out the form on the website or call the Child and Youth Service Coordinator at 778-475-2920.
To learn more about other supportive services available for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the North Okanagan, visit Archway Society for Domestic Peace.
READ MORE: Vernon domestic peace group looks to make Christmas merry
READ MORE: North Okanagan women fleeing domestic abuse able to sleep easier
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.