Valley Baptist Abuse Response Team Serves as Advocate for Community’s Vulnerable

For victims of abuse, the road to healing and justice can be a difficult one, but Valley Baptist Health System is ensuring that some of the most vulnerable in the Texas Rio Grande Valley do not have to travel that road alone.

Through its comprehensive medical forensic program, the Child to Adult Abuse Response Team (CAART) at Valley Baptist-Harlingen in South Texas provides around-the-clock critical services to both child and adult victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual assault.

Offering services since 2006, the abuse response team typically provides care to more than 100 patients each month. The team also works with partners and advocates throughout the community and testifies in legal court cases involving abuse.

As part of the services offered by the abuse response team, four specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners—also skilled as forensic nurses—and doctors care for patients in a specially-designed, calm and secure treatment room.

Certified Adult and Certified Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Genette Spear has been a member of Valley Baptist-Harlingen’s CAART since its inception in 2006.

“Valley Baptist Health System is committed to providing quality comprehensive care to our community,” Spear said. “The Child to Adult Abuse Response Team was created to provide that care to the most vulnerable of our population: those affected by sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of violence.”

The services provided by Valley Baptist’s CAART are vital to the physical and emotional well-being of the victims: children, women, and men who may be apprehensive about seeking medical care, Spear said.

“CAART provides medical care with compassion and understanding. The forensic nurses work with the medical team members to provide the comprehensive quality medical care they need and deserve. That includes testing for diseases, documenting injuries, providing medical care, as well as ensuring the victim has a safe place to go. The team also helps connect the patient with community resources and facilitate communication with law enforcement.”

While Valley Baptist Health System plays a vital role in caring for and protecting all victims of abuse, it is critical for the community to do its part to help curb the impacts of child abuse. Spear adds, “If you see a child being abused, or are told a child is being abused, or you suspect a child is being abused, report it. If a child tells you they are being abused, believe them. Report it.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed nationwide each April to elevate awareness and action on behalf of the victims of abuse throughout the community. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly one in seven children in the U.S. suffered some form of abuse and/or neglect in the last year. Such instances of abuse can have long-lasting impacts. Studies have shown that adult survivors of childhood abuse are more likely to experience mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.