At Denver Children’s Advocacy Center’s 2026 Swing for Hope event, one of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Brittany took the stage to share her family’s story.
Her words were honest, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. They reminded everyone in the room why Denver Children’s Advocacy Center exists, and why access to specialized support can make all the difference for children and families navigating trauma.
When Everything Changed
When Brittany and her family moved back to Colorado in 2023, life seemed full of possibility. Like many families, they were adjusting to a new home, new routines, and the challenges that come with a major transition.
Around that time, Brittany noticed changes in her daughter. There were emotional outbursts, recurring health concerns, and behaviors that didn’t seem to have a clear explanation. She sought help, connecting her daughter with a counselor and exploring possible causes, including ADHD and the stress of the move.
Then, in early 2024, everything changed.
Her daughter disclosed that she had been sexually abused by her biological father during visitation.
“I remember thinking, how could I not see it?” Brittany told attendees. “How could I let this happen? Why is it still so hard to keep her safe?”
In an instant, their family was thrust into a world of investigations, court proceedings, and uncertainty.
“It has been horrifying, hard, depressing, frustrating, and even embarrassing,” she shared.
The Isolation No One Talks About
As the legal process unfolded, Brittany discovered another challenge that often goes unseen: isolation.
While friends and family cared, few people truly understood what it felt like to navigate child sexual abuse allegations, ongoing court proceedings, and the fear and uncertainty that followed.
“We felt very alone,” she explained.
For a time, they continued with their daughter’s existing counselor. But as trauma symptoms became more apparent, Brittany realized her daughter needed specialized care from professionals who understood the unique impacts of abuse.
That search led them to Denver Children’s Advocacy Center.
Finding a Place to Heal
After speaking with their victim advocate, Brittany reached out to DCAC. The family toured the center and began treatment.
What they found was far more than counseling appointments.
“Coming to a place that specifically deals with the issues we were facing has given us a weekly refuge and feeling of community and understanding at a time we have dealt with a lot of shame and isolation,” Brittany said.
At DCAC, her daughter received trauma-focused therapy in a space designed specifically for children and families who have experienced abuse.
Slowly, healing began.
The emotional breakdowns became less frequent. The nightmares started to fade. Her daughter developed tools to cope, process her experiences, and regain a sense of safety.
Over time, Brittany watched her daughter transform.
Today, she is known at school for her emotional intelligence, resilience, and willingness to speak up when something isn’t right.
Walking Forward Together
The family’s journey isn’t over. Court proceedings continue, and healing remains an ongoing process.
But they are no longer carrying the burden alone.
“Without the help of DCAC, we would still be struggling and alone,” Brittany told the audience. “I would still be only depressed and angry at what has happened to my child, instead of being able to process it and try to make something positive out of our nightmare.”
By sharing her story publicly, Brittany hopes other families facing similar circumstances will know that support exists—and that healing is possible.
“I would not be able to be here to speak about it and try to ensure anyone else in my family’s position has the help they need at the worst time in their life.”
Why Her Story Matters
Brittany’s story is one of many that illustrate the impact of specialized, trauma-informed care.
Every day, Denver Children’s Advocacy Center helps children and families move from crisis toward healing. Through forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental health treatment, and prevention education, DCAC provides support when families need it most.
Brittany closed her remarks with words that resonated deeply throughout the room:
“I hate that DCAC has to exist. But I hope they continue to do what they do, and even more if it is possible in the future.”
It’s a sentiment many in the room understood immediately.
Because while we all wish child abuse didn’t happen, we are grateful that when it does, children and families have a place to turn.
Every child deserves safety.
Every family deserves support.
And every survivor deserves the opportunity to heal.
