For Survivors & Families
You are not alone
Whether you are a survivor, parent, guardian, caregiver, or concerned loved one, you do not have to navigate this journey by yourself. This page is designed to help you understand the support, resources, and guidance available to you, while providing information about what to expect throughout the process.
From the moment we accept a case through its resolution, our team is committed to standing beside you every step of the way. We understand that every situation is unique, and we strive to provide compassionate support, clear communication, and trusted guidance throughout your experience.
Here, you will find educational materials, prevention and awareness resources, and training opportunities.
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. If you have questions, concerns, or simply need someone to help you understand the next steps, we are here to listen and help. No matter where you are in the process, you are not alone.
Child Abuse & Neglect (24/7): 1-800-649-5285
Emergency Services:
(24/7) Call 911
Lamoille County Child Advocacy Center:
(M-F, 8-4) 802- 851-8116
Victim Advocacy
Allyson Scanlon and Sierra Boutin work for the Clarina Howard Nichols Center as advocates for victims and their families experiencing domestic, sexual, and stalking violence. They have been assigned to the Lamoille County Child Advocacy Center to guide victims, both adults and children as well as their families, through this difficult, confusing and sometimes frustrating process. Their role is to be here to support survivors. All services are completely free and confidential.
Some of the things they can assist survivors with:
Provide support and assistance in understanding the system
Provide information on the status of an investigation and prosecution
Preparation to testify in depositions and/or trials
Attend hearings, trials and court proceedings with the survivors/families
Help identify community, financial and counseling resources
Listen, empathize and hear the concerns of survivors throughout the process
Most importantly, they’re here to go through this process with survivors so they will not be alone.
Ready to speak with an advocate?
The Clarina Howard Nichols Center has someone available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hotline: (802) 888-5256
What to Expect at a Child Advocacy Center
A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a safe, child-friendly environment where children and families can receive support following concerns of abuse or other traumatic experiences. During your visit, specially trained professionals will work together to help ensure your child feels safe, heard, and supported while minimizing the need to repeat difficult information. The CAC's coordinated, trauma-informed approach is designed to reduce stress for children and families while connecting them with the services and resources they may need throughout the process.
What Is a Forensic Interview?
A forensic interview is a simple, structured conversation between your child and a specially trained interviewer. It is designed to be non-leading and non-pressuring, the interviewer's only goal is to listen carefully and gather information in a way that is safe and comfortable for your child.
Forensic interviews take place at the Child Advocacy Center because it is a welcoming, private and comfortable space designed specifically for children. While your child is in the interview, you and any support people will wait in our family room. Parents are not permitted to view the interview as it takes place, not to keep information from you, but to protect your child and the integrity of the process.
The forensic interviewers are law enforcement officers and DCF investigators assigned to our unit, each trained by the National Child Advocacy Center (NCAC).
Once the interview is complete, the investigators will meet with you to explain everything that happened and walk you through the planned next steps. Only the investigators working on the case are permitted to view the interview recording.
Forensic Medical Exam
In some cases a Forensic Medical Exam, sometimes referred to as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam may be recommended as part of the process. The Vermont SANE Program provides specialized trauma-informed forensic nursing care across the state. You can find more information at vermontsane.org/resources.
RESOURCES
Resources are a valuable part of the work we do. We have included links to some of the resources we share on a regular basis. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more specific information you may be interested in or in need of.
Podcast: When Something Isn't Right: Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect
This is a podcast episode from UVM Health that explores how communities can better protect children from abuse and neglect. It brings together medical experts, foster parents, forensic specialists and community leaders to discuss prevention and what everyone can do to help.
Talking to Kids About Body Safety
Darkness to Light is a nonprofit organization that provides education and training aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. Its website offers practical guidance for adults—such as parents, teachers, and community members—on how to recognize warning signs and take steps to protect children. It also provides tools and programs designed to help organizations create safer environments for kids.
The Mama Bear Effect
The Mama Bear Effect is a child safety advocacy organization that provides educational resources to help adults better understand and prevent child sexual abuse. Its website offers clear, accessible information on recognizing grooming behaviors, responding to concerns, and teaching kids body safety in age-appropriate ways. It also shares survivor-informed content and practical tools that empower caregivers to protect children more confidently.
Teaching Young People about Consent
This resource from ACT for Youth offers practical guidance on how to teach children and young people about consent in age-appropriate ways, starting from early childhood through adolescence. It covers why these conversations matter, common mistakes adults make and eight concrete tips for keeping the dialogue going.
RAINN
RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, providing confidential, trauma-informed, 24/7 support services to survivors and their loved ones. RAINN offers Support, Education, Advocacy and much more. Visit their website for more information.
Red Flag Child Sexual Grooming Behaviors
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a serious global problem, and it is estimated that one in four girls and one in 13 boys will experience CSA by the time they reach adulthood.
FOR ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND REFERRALS DIAL:
2-1-1 to speak live with a person every time or visit their website at http://www.vermont211.org/
Vermont 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people with health and human services throughout Vermont. It helps individuals find resources such as housing assistance, food programs, mental health services, childcare, transportation, and crisis support.
