Before the Zebra Centre opened in 2002, a child who had experienced abuse would be sitting outside an interview room at police headquarters. There were strange people, dressed in uniform, walking through the hallways past them. Concrete walls surrounded the child and fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.
There were no toys, blankets, or other comforts to provide a welcome distraction, no trained advocates to guide that child through what’s about to unfold or to offer a reassuring smile. When it’s time for their interview, the child would be called into a cold, grey interview room. It’s the same room where suspects are interviewed.
Following the interview, that child was left to navigate the daunting criminal justice system and healing process on their own. They might have had to re-live that process many times, telling their story again and again, in many different buildings, to many different adults.
Each time, telling their story becomes more and more difficult. That was 20 years ago, and now today, when a child experiences abuse, they arrive at our Centre.
The Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is our community’s response to child abuse. The Zebra Centre is a place that welcomes them from the moment they step off the elevator with Child Advocates with them every step of the way.
Our multi-disciplinary team of partners is truly a herd that provides services and support throughout the entire journey. The Zebra Centre is a place where children’s resiliency is seen and heard every day, as laughter echoes down the halls. It’s a place where every child is believed, and bravery is celebrated.
When a child leaves they carry a bit of the Zebra Centre with them– knowing they are supported throughout the entire process and throughout their life journey. They are optimistic about what their bright future holds and so are we.