Child advocacy supporters rappel for a cause

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – You may have seen people rappelling down the Stadium Park Plaza Friday, and you will see them again Saturday, going Over The Edge for child advocacy.

The Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center is partnered with law enforcement, mental health providers and other agencies to put the needs of children first in investigations of abuse and neglect.

“I just think this is an important cause to bring a voice to those who don’t necessarily have a voice. I was a victim of abuse as a child, so this is definitely something that is near and dear to my heart. So, anything that I can do to help prevent and address those who may have had the same issues, it’s a great cause,” said Tammy Johns, a Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center board members.

The center provides medical exams, forensic interviews and mental health therapy.

Last year, the center served 733 children in and around the community.

“Kentucky ranks first in child abuse substantiations, not just reports but substantiations, so it’s a real problem in our state, in our community,” said Jennifer Bryant, BRACA director.

Each participant had to raise at least $1,000 to rappel.

Funds raised at the event help provide BRACA the resources needed to give these children a voice, as well as access to medical and mental healthcare and social justice.