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ENOUGH ABUSE Creating support for victims of child sexual abuse Group works to expand services in York area

Portsmouth Herald - 6/7/2017

YORK - Efforts are well underway to create a network of support for victims of child sexual abuse in York and regionally following a launch last April, and organizers are hoping interested community members will attend an upcoming meeting to discuss next steps.

Three local women have been leading the charge - York Hospital emergency room physician Dr. Jeanine Ward; York police officer Jamie Rooney Robie; and Grammy-nominated music producer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi. All victims of child sexual abuse themselves, they are looking to raise awareness of the issue.

The purpose of their efforts is to introduce to York a community model based on a Massachusetts program called the Enough Abuse Campaign. The campaign works to train and educate residents, works with organizations like schools to make sure staff are properly trained, and works with state legislators to effect legislation.

The three women spearheaded a meeting of interested community members in late April, and will be holding a second gathering at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at York Public Library. Everyone is welcome to attend.

According to Ward, there has been a flurry of activity since the April meeting, with more anticipated in the months to come. "It's good stuff," she said.

Already, Robie has worked to bring Molly Louison, manager of the York County Child Advocacy Center, to the York police station to train officers, said Ward. Ward has invited Louison to lead a training of York Hospital doctors - particularly emergency room staff, "who will be on the first line."

At least one York Hospital emergency room nurse will be going to intensive, week-long training in Augusta this fall through the state's Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program. Those trained through the program provide medical and forensic care for a patient who has suffered sexual assault/abuse, are trained in the collection of forensic evidence, and can testify in court as an expert witness. Several others are interested as well, she said. "The hope is to have a cadre of nurses who are specifically trained so if someone comes in, they are called in," said Ward.

But Ward said there is still much to do. Key among them, she would like to move forward on a community training program. Ward has been trained through the Enough Abuse Campaign to train people who in turn provide free education to parents, children, community groups and school personnel. Other topics on the agenda for June 14 include legislative action and fundraising efforts.

Ward said she's pleased with the efforts that have been made and with the possibility of establishing a vibrant network in York and the region to help the young victims of sexual abuse.

"We're pretty excited," she said. "We're already making some positive steps and we hope it can continue - in the greater York community, hopefully, and eventually in the entire state of Maine. This is awesome stuff."