Light The Path To Healing For A Child Who's Experienced Abuse.
Luna has been celebrating a decade of impact as a child and youth advocacy centre, and we are beyond grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, like you, who have helped us light the path to healing for more than 15,000 children, youth and families impacted by abuse.
As we take stock of this milestone, we are more committed than ever to our vision of a future where all young people in our community are safe and thriving, and we invite you to continue with us on this critical mission. Together, we will prevent abuse, help victims heal, and light the path to a brighter future for countless children and youth.
Sarah’s Story:
Sarah was a joyful nine-year-old who loved painting, riding her bike, and had dreams of becoming a pilot; she seemed like any ordinary child, full of potential and curiosity. However, behind Sarah’s cheerful exterior she was hiding a painful secret—a secret that’s tragically not unique in our society.
Sarah’s teacher started to notice subtle changes in her behavior: she became withdrawn, her grades dropped, and her once vibrant artwork took a somber turn. The teacher, having received Luna’s training on how to recognize and respond to child abuse, saw Sarah’s changing behaviour as potential signs of a deeper issue, and she wasn’t wrong. Sarah was the victim of abuse. Sarah’s teacher reported her suspicions to Children and Family Services and with intervention from the Calgary Police Service, Sarah was referred to the Luna Centre.
At Luna, Sarah’s case was handled with the utmost sensitivity and care. The multidisciplinary team, comprised of law enforcement, medical professionals, therapists, social workers, and legal experts, came together to provide a comprehensive and collaborative response. Recognized as a hallmark of Luna, this integrated approach ensured Sarah didn’t have to navigate multiple complicated systems with a maze of appointments and interviews, but rather, she found all the support she needed from one caring team under one roof.
First, Sarah met with a police detective, trained in forensic interviewing, to capture her experience of abuse – sharing details of the experience once is a key part of Luna’s response to prevent re-traumatization. Next, Sarah received a thorough medical examination from a pediatrician who specializes in cases of child abuse; the examination not only addressed her physical well-being but also continued the process of building trust. Concurrently, Sarah started therapy with a licensed child therapist from Alberta Health Services, who created a safe space for her to express her feelings and fears, while the Court Support team worked alongside Luna’s partners from Alberta Justice, ensuring that Sarah and her family were supported through the legal process that lay ahead.
Throughout Sarah’s journey at Luna, a social worker from the Victim Support team worked closely with Sarah and her family, providing them with support, guidance, and access to resources; including Luna’s Facility Dogs, Axel and Webster.
Today, Sarah continues to be that bright, curious child despite the trauma she experienced. She and her family continue their healing journey with hope and optimism for the future, and with the full support of Luna’s team on their side.
Help us spark hope!
Every day, Luna is on the frontline addressing child abuse, and we recognize that it is not just a legal or social concern — it is a serious public health issue that demands a comprehensive response. The trauma caused by abuse can lead to a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological issues that may persist into adulthood if left unaddressed.
Luna exists to ensure those impacted by child abuse receive the support they need to heal, build resilience, and thrive; and to create communities where offenders are held accountable, and all children and youth are safe. This is critical and challenging work, and we cannot do it alone!
We rely on the generosity of caring, community-minded individuals like you so that children, like Sarah, have access to the integrated wrap-around support provided by a child and youth advocacy centre.
Your past support has helped provide critical interventions for children, youth and families impacted by abuse. We invite you to renew your donation today and help ensure children and youth experiencing abuse have the support they need. Your gift will light the path to healing for young people and their families, and spark hope for a brighter future!
