Never underestimate what a strong support system can do. This is what an international motorcycle group offers – security and support for children who have gone through trauma and abuse.
Heartbreaking as it is to accept, child abuse happens more often than we realize.
Sadly, not all children are able to get the help, support, and healing they need.
That’s where Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. comes in.
The men and women of the motorcycle group have a strong message to send and live by: “No child deserves to live in fear.”
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. or BACA started way back in 1995. John Paul “Chief” Lilly of Provo, Utah, came up with the idea: to allow bikers to be there for children who go through court hearings and other equally frightening, traumatic experiences in order for their abusers to be prosecuted.
Some of these bikers have experienced abuse themselves, which makes their message and presence even more impactful.
The wonderful idea inspired so many others that BACA has expanded to chapters all over the United States. On their website, BACA writes,
“Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization.”
What a way to make children feel that they’re never alone!
Picture this: a frightened child about to see his abuser face to face as he or she answers question after question about a traumatic, life-altering experience. Now, add to that a group of muscular, intimidating bikers ready to stare anyone down and jump to the protection of the child.
Their presence alone gives kids the confidence boost they need and more importantly, hope. Hope that there are more good people than bad; people who would readily stand by their side no matter the situation.
BACA works closely with different agencies in providing emotional support to abused children.
Thanks to their presence, children are more boldly speaking up against their abusers. So how do these bikers know when and where to show up? Private therapists, Child Protective Services, and other concerned individuals on the child’s side reach out to the group and let them know that help is needed. Of course, a judge has the final say in whether or not bikers are allowed to attend court proceedings. Fortunately, they are rarely turned down.
Thanks to BACA, kids stand confidently in court instead of cowering in fear.
One member explains,
“When we get involved, these kids gain self-confidence. They beam, do better in school, and they’re not afraid anymore. And that’s what we do, we give them their lives back.”
What’s cool is that kids are given special vests by BACA and even taken on motorcycle rides if permitted by their guardians! Now, these children are given a sense of belonging, security, and acceptance – things that may not completely take away the trauma but help them on their path to healing.
Learn more about BACA in the video below!
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