The History of SCARS
On October 27, 2011, Bermuda’s first charity (#922) aimed specifically at preventing child sexual abuse was founded by Debi Ray-Rivers. Saving Children and Revealing Secrets (SCARS) was formed to provide prevention education and create a greater awareness of the devastation that child sexual abuse can cause in the life of an innocent child, their family, and a community. After enduring personal trauma in 2004, Debi Ray-Rivers, Founder & Executive Director of SCARS, recognized that something needed to be done to prevent and protect children from child sexual abuse. In September 2004, Debi discovered that both of her little girls, ages 9 and 10 at the time, were sexually molested by a 78-year-old trusted family member and devout church member. She was left with a broken family, scarred children, and a passion for change. Debi realized that her community of Bermuda was not educated enough to protect the most vulnerable population from this crime. “As a country we did not understand the issue, the impact on children and families, the seriousness of the crime, and most importantly the short and long-term effect on survivors”. Thus, SCARS was born.
What We Do
SCARS provides prevention education through a training curriculum developed by the Darkness to Light Organization in the United States called Stewards of Children®. ‘Stewards of Children® is an evidence informed prevention training program designed for parents and guardians, organizations that serve youth, and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. It is one of the only adult focused child sexual abuse prevention programs in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior. During the sessions, SCARS provides a training kit which includes body safety information for parents and guardians, support for families who go through the prosecution process, and information on how to support survivors. Many of Bermuda’s youth serving organizations mandate SCARS training every three years for the people who serve their children. (Similar to the importance of CPR for those on the front lines)
For more information: https://www.scarsbermuda.com/get-trained/
SCARS delivers a one-hour virtual awareness presentation called ‘SAFE’ (SCARS Arms Families with Education) to PTA meetings across the island. The presentation, developed by SCARS, covers important information on what parents and guardians should know and teach their children about body safety, consent, crossing boundaries, the importance of online safety, and questions for them to ask organizations responsible for their child.
For more information: https://www.scarsbermuda.com/awarness/scars-arms-families-through-education/
Because of the generosity of corporate and community donors, there is no cost to Bermuda residents, or any person or organization that works with Bermuda’s children, for any of their prevention programs.
SCARS champions for the rights of children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse by advocating for legislative reform.
SCARS also brings their mission to life on screen and on air. Their ‘Survivor Hour’ Cable TV show and ‘Survivor Hour’ Radio program are one-hour shows that provide the audience with awareness and prevention education around the topic of child sexual abuse. The show enables viewers to better understand the emotional, physical, and psychological scars left on survivors of childhood sexual abuse. SCARS share real stories from survivors, spark conversations with industry experts, and connect people to the heart of what they do and why their work in prevention is critical.
To view past shows: https://www.scarsbermuda.com/scars-survivor-hour-cable-tv-show/
To listen to past shows: https://www.scarsbermuda.com/scars-survivor-hour-power-95fm-radio-show/
