Letter: Child abuse cases handled better
Katie Beers speaks during the EAC's "Light of Hope" luncheon where she answered questions about her kidnapping 20 years ago. (April 10, 2013) Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
I was privileged to be in the audience when Katie Beers spoke at the "Light of Hope" luncheon ["Katie Beers praises Suffolk agency," News, April 11]. I appreciate her acknowledgment of the importance of child advocacy centers that address the needs of sexually abused children.
The now well-known horrific trauma of her being sexually abused and kept in an underground dungeon in Bay Shore, was in hindsight compounded by the way investigations, although well-intentioned, were handled in those days.
The child advocacy centers movement has changed that landscape. The approach is designed to give children a feeling of security, warmth and protection while they meet with the investigators before trial and receive services from advocates, therapists and group workers.
I feel it is important to acknowledge how far Long Island has come to better address the investigative process for children.
Cynthia Scott, Bethpage
Editor's note: The writer is the executive director of the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect at The Safe Center LI.
