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Local Law Enforcement Agree to Work with Bivona in Child Abuse Cases

Recently sworn in Greece Police Chief, Patrick Phelan signs the Memorandum of Understanding with Bivona Child Advocacy Center.
Michelle Faust
Recently sworn in Greece Police Chief, Patrick Phelan signs the Memorandum of Understanding with Bivona Child Advocacy Center.

http://youtu.be/HEo16Wg18fk

  April is child abuse intervention and prevention month.  To honor the occasion 21 area agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bivona Child Advocacy Center.

In signing, law enforcement representatives from 12 jurisdictions around the Greater Rochester Area agreed to work with Bivona in cases of child abuse.

Executive Director Mary Whittier said it’s intended to ensure children get the best care after abuse.

“We've had cases before where there've been multiple jurisdictions where it spans two or three counties. And that means two or three different law enforcement organizations all would have to get that information,” explained Whittier. “[With us] the child tells their story once, one forensic interview.”

Pediatrician Elizabeth Murray said the exam can help comfort the child.

“Children will often blame themselves. So, understanding that they (in fact) are healthy can go a long way in the healing process,” said Murray. “We just do regular pediatrician stuff, but we do a thorough exam including their whole body.”

Bivona has evaluated almost 12 thousand cases since 2004.