What You Need To Know
Child sexual abuse is a hidden crime that affects 1 out of 10 children nationally. In most cases, the abuse is committed by someone the child knows and trusts. The more information you have as a parent or guardian, the better you can protect your children.
Our Darkness to Light "Stewards of Children" training course is a powerful tool that any parent or adult who works with children will find effective in recognizing and reporting child sexual abuse. After you complete the "Stewards of Children" training, you will have to the confidence to speak to your children about abuse, how to recognize and react to the warning signs, and how to advocate for your child at home, school, and in your community.
If you suspect your child or another child may be the victim of child abuse or neglect, your first step is report the abuse. There are experts available 24/7 to assist, and all adults are mandated by law to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect.
Click Here for information on reporting child abuse or neglect.
Your Gift Provides A Path To Recovery And A Bridge To Justice For Victims Of Abuse
When you donate to Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center, you join an organization dedicated to helping children who have suffered sexual abuse and trauma. Hope Haven supports hundreds of families each year through family advocacy programs that provide the necessary tools to respond to each child’s unique needs following sexual and physical abuse.
Your gift supports:
- Forensic Interviews, a structured interview given to each child to document and record an event they may have witnessed or experienced
- Multidisciplinary Team, a multi-agency team with members from Hope Haven, law enforcement, mental health agencies, CPS, and prosecutors working together to support families while seeking justice for victims
- Stewards of Children, a child abuse prevention course taught to parents, professionals, and volunteers who work with children
- Helping Hands, keeping families together by providing services such as counseling, donations, and direct financial assistance
- Children’s Health Fair, provides free health and wellness screenings, school supplies, and uniforms to kids as they prepare for the upcoming school year
Nationally, statistics say 1 in 10 children will suffer sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. With roughly 22,000 children under the age of 18 in both Hancock & Pearl River Counties, that’s almost 2,200 kids in our community that will suffer abuse. Only about 10% of those cases will ever be reported meaning 90% of victims of child sexual abuse will never receive the care and support they need to recover from the trauma they have endured.
Your gift using the DONATE button below is a fast and secure way to immediately help victims become children again in Hancock & Pearl River Counties. Through your continued support, you will join Hope Haven’s mission to walk side by side with families on their path to healing while providing a bridge to justice for victims of child sexual abuse.
501(c)3 Non Profit Organization
EIN: 64-0852491
Hope Haven
Address: PO Box 3777, Bay St. Louis, MS 39521
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am-4:30pm, Friday 8am-12pm
Phone: +12284666395
Email: info@hopehavencac.org
Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center does not discriminate or refuse services on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, organization members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, and dealings with the general public.
If you believe you have been unlawfully denied any services, employment opportunity, or otherwise discriminated against by an employer in violation of Title VII, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC may be contacted by calling 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY).
© 2024 by Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center.