Being afraid of the dark is a common issue that children struggle with. Sometimes children will say they are afraid to be in their room at night because there might be a monster hiding. Many parents have had the experience of reassuring their child that there are no monsters in their room by checking under their beds and looking in their closets to let their child know they are safe. But what if these scary monsters really existed? Four-year-old Josh* believed in monsters and the boogieman. He knew the boogieman was real because the boogieman was the person who would come into his room at night and hold him down while abusing him sexually. Josh didn't want to be left alone in the dark because that is when the "monster" would come to hurt him. The sad fact is there are adult predators who harm children and the terror they wreak is real. One other thing is certain for now, the adult who had been hurting Josh will not be able to hurt him again because someone spoke up for Josh. Someone called the authorities, and the authorities brought Josh to the Center for Child Protection where he was heard, believed, and received the kind of help he needed to allow him to trust again and recover from the emotional and physical pain he endured. With the help of a skilled counselor and the passage of time, Josh will now have what he needs to banish the boogieman for good. *Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.

Veronica Kern, RN has been a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for the last four years, conducting sexual assault examinations in the emergency room. Part of that time, she has spent with Pediatrician Dr. Beth Nauert on the Child Protection Team assisting with forensic medical examinations at the Center for Child Protection on Wednesday afternoons. Children come to the Center for a head-to-toe, well check, which includes a sexual assault examination. Children, who have endured chronic sexual abuse and/or whose incidents are not recent, benefit from this specialized exam which gathers evidence for child abuse investigations.

When sexual abuse has been ongoing over a period of time or the incident happened some time ago, many people expect to see an injury. However, most of the time, even when abuse has gone on for years, there may be no injury to see. This does not mean that a child was not abused. "Tissue in the genital area heals very quickly, sometimes within hours. Contrary to what most people think, most of the exams turn out to be normal," said Veronica Kern, RN. Most well-child visits at a normal pediatrician's office last 15 minutes. This visit is scheduled for an hour and can go longer if needed. In addition, children who are old enough can decide whether they would like a parent in the examination room with them. The combination of a quiet, homelike environment with undivided attention of medical personnel makes the entire process less traumatic for children and parents.

More than 500 ladies descended on the Hilton Austin on Saturday, October 13th, for the 4th Annual PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon to net approximately $90,000 for the Center for Child Protection. Presented by Lexus of Austin, the annual fundraiser was organized by the Friends of Christopher Guild, the Center's volunteer leadership organization. Women decked out in tiaras, feather boas, and "boo-tiful" hats shopped a fabulous silent auction which included a four-day Jackson Hole Retreat and a blue topaz and diamond pendant donated by Russell Korman. Celebrity emcees Jim Spencer and Michelle Valles from KXAN News Austin led the competitive bingo festivities and gift drawings adding to the excitement. We are grateful to PlayBingo Chair Debbie Kern and all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible! For more information on joining the Guild or to reserve your table for next year, contact Dorina Cockman at 512-472-1164 or dcockman@centerforchildprotection.org.