Mosaic Georgia

Children's Advocacy Center

As a certified Children's Advocacy Center, we are specially trained to care for the youngest of survivors.

Children who have experienced sexual assault or abuse or witnessed violence, and their families, including youth victims of human trafficking and commercial sex

From mosaicgeorgia.org/childrens-advocacy-center ↗

About this program

As a Children's Advocacy Center, we are dedicated to supporting our youngest abuse survivors with specialized care. Our approach is collaborative, aligning with child abuse protocols in Gwinnett and Rockdale Counties. We bring together law enforcement, child protective services, legal professionals, medical and mental health experts, and advocates all under one roof at Mosaic Georgia. This unified team works together to minimize additional stress and trauma for the child and their family during an inquiry or investigation.

Mosaic Georgia offers a secure and child-friendly space for children who have experienced sexual assault or abuse or witnessed violence. Our focus is always on the child's safety and well-being.

Mosaic Georgia is also part of the Statewide CSEC Response Team, aiming to improve the lives of child and youth victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. We collaborate closely with government agencies and law enforcement to advocate for these youth.

Children have the support of a child advocate before, during, and after any medical exams and before and after forensic interviews. We also provide trauma support and mental health services as needed.

Our advocates provide intensive case management to youth and their families, conduct specialized assessments, facilitate safety planning, and offer CSEC specific interventions. Our advocates also provide appropriate referrals and resources to help meet the needs of the family.

Questions

What are signs of possible child sexual abuse?

Behavioral Signs: Sleep disturbances (such as nightmares, fear of the dark or trouble sleeping); Excessive or compulsive masturbation; Fear or dislike of certain people or places; Extreme changes in behavior; Regression to infantile behavior (such as bedwetting or thumb sucking); Detachment from others, depression or withdrawal; Age inappropriate interest in sexual matters, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children to behave sexually; Sudden mood swings (such as rage, fear, anger or withdrawal). Physical Signs: Abdominal pain or unexplained stomach illness; Loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing; Unexplained bruises, pain, bleeding or redness on the child's genitals or anus; Sudden weight loss or gain; Frequent vaginal infections or irritations; Difficulty with bowel movements or urination. If you have any questions about these signs, please contact Mosaic Georgia at 866-900-6019 to speak with a trained advocate.

How can I protect my child?

While we can't control the rest of the world, we can focus on developing open communication and trust with our children. Educate yourself. Know the warning signs for child sexual abuse. Speak up if you notice behavioral signals that an adult or older child may exhibit problematic sexual behavior. Trust your instincts. Gut feelings are easy to ignore, but if something doesn't feel right, don't put your child at risk. Be comfortable talking with your child using proper anatomy terms like penis, breast, labia, and vagina. Teach your child to feel good about themselves just as they are. Avoid secrets. Teach your child that no one should tell them to keep a secret. Teach your child the difference between "Ok" touch and "Not ok" touch. Teach your child that their "No" will be respected. Build trust. Make sure your child knows that they can rely on you to believe them and protect them. Develop a plan. Make sure your child knows what to do and who to talk to if they are sexually touched or threatened. Know how to report the abuse – call 911 for local law enforcement.

Details

Who
Children who have experienced sexual assault or abuse or witnessed violence, and their families, including youth victims of human trafficking and commercial sex

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