No more secrecy.
No more shame.

We offer a safe, welcoming place for children who have been sexually or physically abused.

We bring together under one roof all of the professionals who have made it their life’s work to help.

To protect, treat, and counsel children and their families.

To investigate and prosecute the abusers.

We treat each child with respect, with care, with compassion. We make it possible for the trauma to stop, and the healing to begin.

Slideshow - Home Page

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Every six minutes, in the United States of America, a child is sexually abused. 240 children. Every day.

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Five children in this country die each day as a result of child abuse.

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Bivona Child Advocacy Center works with the most serious cases—children who have been sexually or severely physically abused.

 

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At Bivona, we help more than 1,000 children each year—from just the Greater Rochester area. The vast majority are victims of sexual abuse.

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Child sexual abuse is found everywhere. In the best of neighborhoods, and the poorest of towns. Sometimes the perpetrator is a stranger. But 90 percent of the time, the child knows, loves and trusts their abuser.

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The single most important factor in a child’s recovery from sexual abuse is being believed by the non-abusing parent. It’s about being trusted. And feeling safe.

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We bring together social workers, medical professionals, law enforcement, prosecutors, therapists and advocates, to work as a team. It’s about justice. And healing.

 

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We bring calm, compassion, and efficiency. We make the process revolve around the child, rather than force the child to work around the process.
    It makes sense. It saves money. It heals hearts.

 

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Some of what we do is made possible by government funding.  But we rely heavily on people in the community for support.

 

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We’re always grateful for your help.
    More importantly, the children will carry the imprint of your kindness forever.

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Home - Slideshow - 11

Bivona Child Advocacy Center
    trust. healing. justice.
    585-935-7800

 

Now is a good time to reach out for help

Bivona Child Advocacy Center will help any child who’s a victim of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. Learn more about the ways we help children, their families, and friends.

Need help with an investigation? Want to understand mandated reporting? Would like a presentation to your group? If you’re a professional working with children, we can help.

How we help kids

Before there were Child Advocacy Centers, children and families had to begin at the emergency room or the police station and then navigate the complex systems—medical, law enforcement, prosecution, counseling—on their own. We made it better. A lot better. And our approach saves one-third of the cost. Read more.

Our partners make it possible

Our partners include: Monroe County Child Protective Services | Law enforcement, including: Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police | Monroe County District Attorney’s Office | REACH Program of Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester | Rape Crisis Service  | Linden Oaks Sexual Abuse Treatment Services | Catholic Family Center. Read more about their expertise and the way we collaborate on behalf of children.

 

“You think…it can’t happen here.”  “There must be something wrong with me.” Watch the stories.

 We’re always happy
to hear from you.
 

What is child abuse?

It comes in many forms. Learn more about child abuse. And visit our Resources page.

Join Bivona Young Professionals

We’re in our 20s and 30s and making a difference for kids and the community. Read more.

  


Report Abuse

 

Donate

 

11th Annual Golf Tournament

Featuring the Bald-Headed Boys

Monday, June 24, 2013
Midvale Country Club
Join us on the green at our 11th Annual Golf Tournament. All golfers are treated to a hearty breakfast, lunch, practice on the driving range, snacks and beverages on the course and a wonderful sit-down dinner complete with prizes and awards.
Click here for more details…

 

Prevention Education

Stewards of Children Training

Darkness to Light - End Child Sexual Abuse

 

Bivona Child Advocacy Center is committed to the prevention of child sexual abuse in our community.  As part of the Greater Rochester Darkness to Light Collaborative, we are offering Stewards of Children training to empower responsible adults to understand the devastating effects of child sexual abuse, to recognize the signs and symptoms, and to know how to respond on behalf of a child who may be the victim of abuse.  Stewards of Children is a nationally recognized program designed to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors. It is a program created by Darkness to Light (www.d2l.org), a grassroots non-profit organization seeking to protect children from sexual abuse by placing the responsibility on adult shoulders. 
 

Stewards of Children classes are currently being scheduled! Call for details!

Next classes:
May 18- Faith Temple @ 9:00 a.m. 
May 24- Carlson YMCA @ 9:00 a.m.
May 29- NCMEC @ 6:00 p.m.
May 29- Eastside YMCA @ 6:00 p.m.
June 4- Westside WYMC @ 5:30 p.m.
June 6- Eastside YMCA @ 6:00 p.m.

To register, please contact Stefanie Szwejbka at 585.935.7800 or sszwejbkaatbivonacac [dot] org. After registering, please click here if you choose to make online payment. The cost per person is $20.00

Sign the Sexual Abuse Stand Up for Kids Pledge

 

News and Happenings

NCAA Issues Sanctions Against Penn State

Bivona Child Advocacy Center's official statement

 On July 23, 2012, the NCAA announced significant fines and sanctions against Penn State University in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal.  The university was fined $60 million and will be barred from post season play for four years.  In addition, all Penn State football victories have been now voided dating back to 1998 as well as scholarship reductions for a four-year period.

Read more…

Our Next Fundraising Event

11th Annual Golf Tournament

featuring the Bald-Headed Boys

Monday, June 24, 2013
Midvale Country Club

Join us on the green at our 11th Annual Golf Tournament. All golfers are treated to a hearty breakfast, lunch, practice on the driving range, snacks and beverages on the course and a wonderful sit-down dinner complete with prizes and awards.
 

Read more…

On Our Wish List: People with kind hears and extra energy

What makes Bivona run? It’s the generosity of our donors and our volunteers. Learn more about the ways you can help:

Get Involved Donate
Kids Standing Up For Kids Shop

 

Support Bivona through your United Way donation (number: 2411)

Bivona is an Accredited Member of the National Children's Alliance