In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month a unique audio tour and media exhibit will take county residents on a journey through the lives of children who have been victims of abuse.
“The Lisa Project,” a fully interactive multisensory experience, takes participants beyond the headlines and statistics surrounding child abuse.
“Sometimes when we are not impacted by abuse, we may not know the extent that it exists,” said Jan Viss, Stanislaus County Community Services Agency Assistant Director of the Adult Child and Family Services Division. “It is also a great prevention tool, helping people to perhaps examine their own behaviors. It is also an intervention tool.”
By experiencing child abuse through the eyes, ears and emotions of child victims, The Lisa Project raises awareness through education and outreach as guests “take a child by the hand” and listen to their story.
After attending The Lisa Project in Lodi last fall, members of the Stanislaus County Child Abuse Prevention Council decided to bring the project to Modesto.
“We were quite moved as a visitor to really experience the trauma and consequences of child abuse from a child’s perspective,” Viss said. “We decided to bring it to Stanislaus County as an awareness tool, prevention tool and resource tool. The exhibit itself really opens one’s eyes that child abuse is prevalent in one’s own community.”
Viss said clinicians will be on site to refer participants to community resources if needed. The Lisa Project also offers attendees the opportunity to serve, with information available about becoming a foster parent.
The Lisa Project will be open on specified dates Thursday through Sunday in April at the Vintage Faire Mall on Sisk Road in Modesto, starting April 4. The tour is free and open to the pubic, with a suggested parental rating of PG-13.
For more information, times and volunteer opportunities, visit www.thelisaproject.org.
