Thanks to a generous grant through Holly’s House and the Vanderburgh Medical Alliance, Dr. Brooke Aljandali has led the charge on incorporating a pediatric tool kit developed by The Mama Bear Effect, a Massachusetts-based organization, into pediatric patient visits. This tool kit helps medical providers define abuse and equip children with the knowledge to speak up about anything that makes them feel unsafe.

“Recent studies show that 92% of parents want pediatricians to discuss child sexual abuse prevention,” said Dr. Aljandali. “For many children, their primary care provider may be the only professional they encounter with the resources to help. By equipping these providers with the right tools to talk about body safety, we are taking a critical step toward preventing future abuse.”

This collaboration ensures broad access to pediatric patients, with 24 resident physicians actively engaged in the program. These physicians review and integrate the materials from the tool kit during well-child visits for children aged 5 to 11, documenting their findings for continued improvement. The program, which began in January, will run throughout the year.

According to the National Centers for Health, 93% of children in the U.S. participated in well-child visits in 2020, making pediatric visits a critical opportunity to address abuse prevention. As a non-residential advocacy center, Holly’s House offers trauma-informed support for abuse victims and their families. The organization also plays a vital role in prevention through school- and community-based programs.

From 2019 to 2022, Holly’s House saw a 270% increase in incidents of abuse that escalated to formal investigations. The organization reported an additional 20% increase in abuse reports between 2023 and 2024, underscoring the growing need for awareness and intervention.

“Our goal is to prevent abuse and empower children to share their experiences,” said Kristine Cordts, Executive Director of Holly’s House. “This partnership helps end the cycle of trauma and abuse, offering children the opportunity for a safer, healthier future.”