BACA – Bikers Against Child Abuse

Do you remember #MeToo, the social movement to raise awareness against abuse and harassment? I participated in this movement. Yes, “Me Too”: I was 12 when it happened. At that point, I told my friend about it. She too had experienced an abusive situation, even younger than me. She also knew her attacker.

Without going into detail, our gang represented the statistics perfectly at that time. Unfortunately, these are on the rise: today, 1 in 10 children will be victim of violence, and 80% of the time, the child knows their attacker.

This is why my meeting with Rocky, child, family and organization liaison officer, deeply touched me. Bikers Against Child Abuse is a non-profit organization that advocates for children who are victims of physical, sexual abuse or bullying.

“No child deserves to live in fear.”

This is the ultimate mission that all BACA bikers share wholeheartedly.

This meeting is definitely my favorite of Expo-Moto 2024. Bikers have come together to help children, and have been doing so for 27 years.

There are more than 350 chapters all over the world: in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, France… really everywhere! Each biker who gets involved in the organization does so with all their kindness, for the well-being, safety and feeling of confidence of the children.

How does it work?

As soon as there is a legal file with the police or the DPJ, a child can be assigned to two BACA sponsors. Sponsors are available for the child 24/7.

Concretely, the Bikers sponsors drive them to school or home, keep watch to ensure the child’s safety, accompany them to court or are present during legal proceedings, but above all, they are there for them in their moments of distress.

The child who felt alone is now accompanied by all his biker friends. He is no longer alone. And never will be again.

I didn’t get justice against my attacker. I did not file a complaint. I was afraid and I did not trust the justice system. My friend went to Court. She subsequently lived with a foster family.

Can you imagine how intimidating, frightening, even inhumane it can be for a child to tell what cannot be told, in front of police officers, lawyers, strangers, a judge, but especially in front of their attacker?

You know that some abusers try to dissuade children from talking and manipulate them into lying about the facts to avoid consequences. Delays before appearing mean that the child is not always safe.

The presence of Bikers Against Child Abuse during these dark and trying times makes a huge difference. They are there to support the children and tell them that it is normal to be afraid, but that they are not alone.

Bikers Against Child Abuse becomes their new family. They are there and will always be there to support them.

Taking action against child abuse is one of the bravest things you can do and it takes a tremendous amount of mental and emotional strength.

It was a child worker who started this project in 1995: he did therapy with children and then had to return them to their environments, where the same violence took place.

Imagine how heartbreaking that could be: returning a helpless child to his place of terror. I can’t even imagine how unbearable that must have been.

This speaker, being a biker, decided to set up a system to drive the children back with his biker friends and it had a huge impact. Motorcycles make noise. Bikers are impressive. Twenty-seven bikers taking you home, that gives you courage.

It’s no surprise that so many Bikers have joined this community.

All the protective energy that these wonderful humans send to the child gives him confidence and makes the aggressor think. Children who were afraid to go out now feel confident to face the world, supported by BACA bikers. Eyes begin to shine again. Lives are changed. I get chills.

I understand that so much! When I was 12, I was afraid to see my stepmother’s brother again. I didn’t go back to see my father for 6 years. It was at 18 that I decided I was going to see my father, even if I risked meeting this person.

I took my courage and my car. I drove, like a pilgrimage, 8 hours away, to my father’s house: I was no longer afraid. My father didn’t see his daughter for 6 years because I was afraid. What if the Bikers had come to take me back 6 years earlier? Could I have grown up with my father in my life?

A child is defenseless, he is “innocent”, he is supposed to play, to have fun. Not to be afraid.

Statistically speaking, you may have your story too…

Would you have been less afraid with your Biker family protecting you? The child you know, because we all know them – even if sometimes some turn a blind eye – do you think it would help him? Personally, I am convinced of it.

It’s official that BACA is having a huge impact and changing the lives of children, even as you read this. A bit like #MeToo: eyes are on the attackers. Victims no longer have to fear or be ashamed. BACA is here for you, kid.

BACA, recipient of the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal, well deserves this great recognition! Their members do concrete actions for children that no one else can do: they give children a chance to return to their previous lives.

To properly support children, members receive relevant training. They learn about trauma, the effects of abuse, the best ways to communicate with children and much more. BACA members are equipped to intervene effectively with young people.

In BACA, the most important person is the child. The message is clear to everyone around the abused child: this child is now part of the BACA family and the entire organization is ready to support them with physical and emotional support.

The BACA “Patch” has an important meaning:

• Red represents the “blood shed by injured children”
• White represents “the innocence of children”
• Black represents the “dark times that the child goes through”
• The fist represents their “commitment to ending child abuse”
• The skull is the symbol of “death to child abuse”
• The chains represent “the union within their organization”

This mission touches you and you too would like to make a difference? To be part of BACA, you need a motorcycle and no criminal record related to children. You must be present at the monthly meeting and participate in your chapter events. Contact BACA here.

Do you know a child who needs to be taken care of? Contact BACA here. And above all, do it now! It’s important and it will give him back power over his life.

Would you like to contribute?

On May 18, a dinner show is organized around the world to raise funds for children. Follow upcoming information about this event or donate here. Each BACA member is 100% volunteer. Every donation goes 100% for the children. (Official website here)

In conclusion

I would like to congratulate all the members of BACA for their involvement. Your gift of yourself is worthy of absolute recognition. Your actions have a positive impact on everyone involved and will be felt for generations to come. Sincerely well done and thank you for the lives you are changing.

#Respect.

Cathy

@CathyLam.Moto