Ginnie's is safe haven for abused children

Ginnie’s has state of the art technology to prevent further harm when testifying, By Stacey Mason Newton - Abused children come from all walks of life and every socio-economic background. They all share common traits, though; they are hurt, scared, distrustful, confused and frequently feel tarnished. “Sexual abuse is happening all over the world. It is brutalizing and breaking the spirits of our children,” said Rachel Heath, executive director of Ginnie’s House, a non-profit children’s advocacy center. An inappropriate response to child abuse will intensify the child’s pain. “Family supporting the victim instead of silencing them or reacting with anger is crucial to the child’s healing process,” said Heath. “Without the right kind of care, their scars may never heal.” There is a very special place where the right kind of care can be discovered, at Ginnie’s House. It is a unique facility serving Sussex County that addresses the immediate and long-term problems associated with child abuse. The facility has inviting waiting rooms, conference rooms, medical exam room and interview rooms that are equipped with state of the art medical and communication equipment. The colorful décor was designed to make children feel safe, relaxed and comfortable. Ginnie’s House offers the victim a joint response effort. The detectives, the state Division of Youth and Family Services, and medical and psychological professionals are all specially trained to work with abused children and their families. Ginnie’s house has child-friendly interview rooms with hidden cameras for experts to see and hear the interview, which allows them to telephone the interviewer to ask for additional information. The seating arrangement in the rooms are designed to have the child sit higher than the interviewer for a sense of control. Medical evaluations and counseling are offered to both victims and their caregivers. All services are offered with no cost to the child or their families. Heath said New Jersey recognizes the importance of having a place with trained personnel who know how to interview a four-year-old child versus a 12-year-old. She said there is a real push in the state to develop Child Advocacy Centers. There are 13 centers throughout the state. “10 to 15 years ago, children were interviewed in police stations and this is still going on today in some areas,” said Heath. No child is ever to blame for abuse. There are many reasons for victims not to report abuse, but no matter what transpired, they should tell someone anyway, advises Heath. In an effort to prosecute the perpetrator, the child’s disclosure is imperative. “Physical evidence is not there most of the time because the genitalia heals quickly and perpetrators often take great care not to hurt the child as they’ll lose their victim for the next time,” said Heath. “People who abuse, often have a history of being abused, but those who have been abused, will not necessarily become perpetrators.” Heath compares the feeling of abuse to the feeling of guilt by taking a cookie their mother made for a party. The educational push and preventive message is to pay attention to this feeling and try to remove oneself from that situation. Heath said when a child starts talking, teach them the names of body parts. “If I can give them hope, then I feel I’ve done my job. It (the abuse) never goes away, the pain is there, but they can heal with time,” said Heath. “Our mission is to give a haven of healing and hope.” Ginnie’s House is funded through state grants and donations. This non-profit organization is in continuous need of donations and volunteers for community education, outreach and fundraising. Fall activities and Christmas party volunteers are also needed. Ginnie’s House ninth annual “Reach for the Stars” auction will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. To donate an item or purchase tickets for the event, call 973-579-0770 or log on to www.auction@ginnieshouse.com