Bikers Against Child Abuse B.A.C.A.: Part II

illness arial,sans-serif;”>By Leo G. Alvarez

Chief, Hoops, Sweetwater, Metalman, Rosebud, Hoot, Frodo, Stark, Raven, Grumpy, Bikerdad, Clutch, Spurz, Shorty, Ducky, Tinkerbell, Braker, Diesel, all biker Road Names are on our Cuts (motorcycle vests). And their vocations are equally as varied, school teachers, Chef, social workers, machinists, NASA scientist, activated National Guard, salespeople, parole officer, metal workers, correctional officer, lawyers, the list is endless and all members of Bikers Against Child Abuse.

It is the first meeting with the new B.A.C.A. Children at a Level One. The briefing said we would meet 3 girls from 18 months to 13 years, all abused by a family member. We do not know, nor want to know their true names, just their Road Names. The child is what matters, not necessarily their history, that will be revealed later, in Court, that if the Judge permits, will have Bikers sitting where the child can see them, from where the child will find the strength to.

Later, each child will receive its own cut and small gifts, some that can be put on the Cut so they can feel like Bikers. A bear will be passed around, from Biker to Biker, to be “filled” with hugs which the child can feel, and when the bear is empty of hugs we will return to fill it with hugs. A blanket with a large B.AC.A. logo will also be given to the child.

The highlight to most Level Ones is when the child is asked if (s)he wants a motorcycle ride. That’s usually when you hear the scream “YES!”, and the hopping up and down begins, as well as the smiles and laughs. Seven or more Bikes, in formation will form a protective shield for the child’s first ride (there may be later rides if the child asks).

We were later told that it was the first time the children had come to the front yard to play in a month and half. By that time the children were totally at ease with their “new family” and had come out of their shells. They were being children.

Level Ones may take place at homes or parks, and other places the caretakers choose. We have been approached by law enforcement, or we signal them over, because they are curious why a bunch of Bikers are in the area. Law enforcement is open and receptive to our concept. Some recommendations for children have come from law enforcement, District attorney staff, and other professionals.

B.A.C.A. wears a rocker worn on the back of the Cut that says “NO CHILD SHOULD LIVE IN FEAR”. And, informally, they have adopted the phrase, “It’s all about the child”.

It is an awesome feeling, and it brings tears to the eyes, to see an abused child being, well, just a child. Kneeling before a new B.A.C.A. child, to be at eye level, so as not to be intimidating, permitting a child to paint “hair” on a bald pate, laughing, smiling, joking and bringing out the child in an abused child has personal rewards for any adult but enabling a child to be playful and not afraid is but one tool B.A.C.A. members use to empower an abused child to feel free, to be just a child, a freedom and a right taken away from abused children.

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Leo Alvarez is retired from Oxnard PD and is President of the Children’s Wall of Tears™  www.thecwot.org

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