Take a seat for children of abuse as the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center hosts their first Chair-ity for Children fundraiser Aug. 18 at Sykes Place on Bank St. in Decatur from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The inaugural fundraiser will have heavy h-oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction of chairs painted by local artists as well as chairs donated by local merchants. The proceeds go toward services provided by the CAC for children in the area who have been victims of abuse and trauma.

“Money raised during the Chair-ity for Children Fundraiser will ensure that children continue to receive services,” said Susan Goggins, executive director of Morgan County’s CAC. “All of our services are offered free of charge. The CAC does receive a federal grant to help provide direct services to children. However, none of the positions at the CAC are fully covered by the grant.” Goggins said the money they raise Aug. 18 will also be used to pay for Graduation Ceremonies for the children. Children and/or teenagers who complete Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy get to pick their favorite food, drinks, colors and people to attend the ceremony celebrating their steps to recovery. This is just one of the money special things these children and their caregivers get when they come in for help and support.

“There are two critical services we provide,” Goggins elaborated. “First, we conduct a forensic overview that ensures that children are able to tell about what happened to them in a child-friendly setting. Our forensic interviewers are highly trained specialists who know how to ask questions in a non-leading way. The second critical service is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This ensures the children actually heal from abuse.”

Within the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Morgan County CAC provided their free services to 141 children and teens just in this area alone. That number has consistently been within the 132 to 152 range since 2010. Those services in the 2015-2016 year accounted for about 540 therapy sessions, nine medical exam referrals, 110 crisis interviews and 102 forensic interviews.

Goggins said one in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18, and the National Children’s Advocacy Center out of Huntsville estimates one in every five children are solicited sexually on the internet. That’s 20 percent of children and teens that are sexually abused before they’re of the legal age. The sad truth is 90 percent of those children are abused by a family member or someone they know and trust. Another disheartening truth is that 60 percent of sexually abused children never speak up to have their voice heard. Sixty percent of children never tell anyone they have been violated, and sexual abuse isn’t the most prevalent type of abuse in children. Several sources say the main type of abuse in children is neglect. The American Society for the Positive Care of Children reports state and local agencies around the U.S. received reports of 3.6 million cases of child abuse and neglect. Those cases involved 6.6 million children in all since reports can include more than one child.The statistics from SPCC estimate more than four children die in the U.S. daily as a result of child abuse.

“Child abuse is such a significant problem,” Goggins said. “If trauma is left untreated, children can grow up to experience all types of health issues. Addressing the problem early ensures that children and teenagers are able to process the trauma and move on with their lives. Participating in this fundraiser will ensure that attendees are a part of the solution to child abuse.”

Tickets to the Chair-ity for Children Fundraiser are $40 per person, $75 for couples. Those tickets can be purchased at District Attorney Scott Anderson’s office on the fifth floor of the Morgan County Courthouse. Those needing more information or tickets can also call 256-355-1908 or send an email to chairityforchildrencac@gmail.com.

For those unable to make it to the event, Goggins said The Morgan County CAC always welcomes donations. They have a need for cleaning supplies like paper towels, Clorox, wipes, tissues, etc. She also said the Center needs non-perishable food snacks and drinks. Cash donations are always appreciated to help give children the support and treatment they need to recover.