Child Sexual Assault Survivor Who Became Olympic Gold Medalist to Speak in Everett

Kayla Harrison photo from KaylaHarrison.com

Thursday, November 7, 2013 from Noon – 1 pm, Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is having its first annual Transforming Hurt to Hope Luncheon in the Conference Center at Comcast Arena featuring Keynote Speaker US Olympic Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison – a child sexual assault survivor.

Kayla Harrison made history at the 2012 Olympics in London by winning the first Gold Medal by any American in the history of the sport of judo.  Kayla’s judo career has been undeniably impressive, however it is her perseverance through personal challenges that is truly inspiring. At the young age of 16, Kayla revealed the fact that she had been for years abused by her coach. Through discipline, tenacity and the support of others she fought through pain both on and off the matt, transforming herself into a strong, confident, articulate young woman who happens to be a world-class athlete.

Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 4 – 6 pm, Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is hosting a public open house of its facility at 1509 California Street, Everett, Washington. Guided tours of the facility include medical exam rooms, family room / playroom, child interview rooms, and an educational room with information on sexual and physical abuse prevention.  The public will also meet our service dog Harper.  Law enforcement, medical examiners, prosecution, advocacy, therapy and child protective services staff will be available to answer questions.

Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is the primary provider of services for abused children in Snohomish County.  We bring together in a single, child-friendly location the five agencies who serve child abuse victims in Snohomish County. Our coordinated, comprehensive care helps break the cycle of child abuse, making our community safer and healthier. Your support will help Dawson Place continue serving abused children through medical and mental health services, child forensic interviews, advocacy, and law-enforcement-related services.    Come see how an accredited child advocacy center meets the needs of children in our community.

About Dawson Place

Since opening our doors in 2006, Dawson Place has cared for over 6,200 abused children ranging in age from birth to 18 years old.  And in just six years, Dawson Place has gone from opening its doors to being “one of the best Child Advocacy Centers in the nation”, according to the recently completed national re-accreditation process, conducted by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA).  The NCA auditors were highly impressed with our skilled staff, carefully-coordinated and integrated services, and the quality of care received by abuse victims and their families.