Children's Safety Center
Every year, physical and sexual abuse robs hundreds of children in Northwest Arkansas of their dreams, their self-esteem and their childhood. The Children's Safety Center believes that, for these children, those dreams may be all they have. The Center's mission is to provide a comprehensive, child-focused program in which the child is protected from being retraumatized during the demands of the abuse investigation process. In a quiet, non-threatening manner, the Children's Safety Center advocates for the child victim, while allowing law enforcement, child protection professionals, and the medical and mental health communities to work together in one place. The Center's collaborative approach to advocacy assures that the abuse will not define the child. Rather, it can help shape whom they become.
Sheyanne's Story
Sheyanne was 17 when she came to the Safety Center for services. She had lived with the man who was abusing her for years. Once she disclosed her abuse, her world came apart. Her entire family abandoned her. No one would acknowledge the truth about her abuse, tragically, part of the family "secret." She was kicked out her home without any of her belongings... left to fend for herself. She became suicidal and was placed under suicide watch.
The Safety Center provided an interview and a sexual-assault medical exam. Sheyanne's advocate, Karen, immediately stepped in and became her emotional support system. Her demeanor and response to her abuse changed dramatically, the instant that she knew someone was listening and that someone believed her. Karen visited Sheyanne weekly until she could go on short "leaves." During those times, Karen talked with Sheyanne about her plans for the future.
"I want to finish my high school education, go to technical college and become an electrician," said Sheyanne. "The Safety Center helped me to see that I was valuable. I want to be an example to other abused kids that they can be valuable to society, too!" Sheyanne was recently placed in foster care and is currently employed.
For more information about Children's Safety Center please contact Elizabeth Shackelford at (479) 872-6183 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .