I came across this article today that speaks to one social worker's fight to prevent child abuse, from the KPVI.com website.
Posted: May 14, 2009 06:37 PM EDT
Tonight in our Making a Difference series we take a look at a local woman and her fight against child abuse.
As a licensed social worker, Brandi Warnkey of Idaho Falls has learned about a growing problem in the area. Warnkey says child abuse is an issue that can't be overlooked, and she is trying to teach steps to put it to a stop.
In the last five years Brandi Warnkey has worked mainly in substance abuse counseling but soon learned about a problem behind the drugs.
Warnkey: "Ninety-nine percent of the clientele that I work with have been sexually victimized in the past."
Warnkey was then introduced to a national program that targeted sexual abuse.
Warnkey: "I got tired of treating and wanted to prevent, and this was the only program that I have stumbled across that is a prevention program."
The 'Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children' program teaches seven steps to protect kids from sexual abuse.
Warnkey: "One in four girls are being molested, one in six boys are being molested, 90% of the children that are being molested, it's taking place within the family or by somebody they know."
Warnkey's goal is to educate as many people as she can from all backgrounds about these statistics and what they can do if they know about any abuse going on.
Warnkey's: "There are a lot of people out there that don't realize how important this is and how prevalent it is, and yet it is. It is a silent epidemic. I strongly believe that we can resolve sexual abuse, it is something that we can resolve; because as adults if we take the responsibility to protect our kids and take the proper steps, sexual abuse can be resolved."
Brandi has already taught three full trainings and is a certified facilitator herself. She says it has not been easy but she is excited to spread the message.
Warnkey: "If I save one child in the process of doing this then that's awesome and I have done my job."
To find out more about the Darkness to Light program click here. To contact Brandi you can call 208-681-1945 or e-mail her at mbwarnke@msn.com.