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Bikers Against Child Abuse

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Bikers Against Child Abuse
AbbreviationB.A.C.A.
Founded1995; 29 years ago (1995)
FounderJohn Paul "Chief" Lilly[1]
Founded atProvo, Utah
TypeNon profit
PurposeChild welfare
Region
United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom
Key people
Horace Montoya
Mark “Ogre” Birchette[2]
Websitewww.bacaworld.org

Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A. or B.A.C.A. International, Inc.) is a charitable worldwide motorcycle organization. The organization works to protect children across eighteen countries from dangerous individuals and situations.

B.A.C.A. was founded in 1995 in Provo, Utah, U.S.A.. The organization's stated purpose is to empower abused children to not be afraid of the world in which they live by working in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children.[3]

Activities

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Any legal guardian who feels their child may have been abused or may potentially be "frightened by his or her environment" can officially request that B.A.C.A. open a case for their child. The organization immediately confirms that local authorities have been contacted and that the abuse has been reported, before meeting with the family in order to determine whether making direct contact with the child would be in their best interest, and whether the situation adheres to the B.A.C.A. Mission; one factor of discretion being that B.A.C.A. does not involve themselves in domestic issues between guardians.[4]

If the case is valid according to the B.A.C.A. Mission, the organization offers for the child to join at a "Level 1 Intervention".[5] Upon accepting a case, two bikers — generally one male and one female — act as primary contacts from B.A.C.A. for the child and their family, and as a general positive and strong presence to prevent further conflict. The two bikers may then perform follow-up visits with the family periodically and notify the organization of any specific needs the child might have.[6]

If "Level 1" intervention is not sufficient to deter further abuse or harassment, members may establish a temporary presence at the home of the child as a "Level 2" intervention, being visible at times the family might be the most vulnerable to further abuse and, if necessary, protect the children and the family from violence.

Any cases referred from other established agencies are subject to review by local legal and child services systems before B.A.C.A. responds with any type of contact.[6][7] B.A.C.A. is able to receive referrals from Child Protective Services, therapists, clergies, and other organizations that know of a child who could use B.A.C.A.’s support.

Members may attend court proceedings with the children if the court permits, in an effort to assist the child in being less intimidated and frightened, subsequently giving a more accurate testimony.[8] B.A.C.A. may also escort them with errands or to school if they are in fear. According to the organization, members can help the child's legal guardians to navigate the child-welfare system and understand how to file different legal documents such as restraining orders and guardianship documents.[7]

In addition to private events, each chapter of the organization worldwide holds mandatory meetings[when?], which are open to the public, and an annual hundred-mile ride to raise awareness. They may also host awareness and fundraising events like poker runs, particularly during April for Child Abuse Awareness Month.[9][10] Some chapters hold balloon release events to commemorate abused and/or deceased children.[11][12][13][14]

Jan Broberg appearance

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Actress Jan Broberg Felt, who had previously been kidnapped twice by Robert Ersol Berchtold, was with her mother at the Dixie State College in St. George, Utah for the annual Women's Conference. Fifteen B.A.C.A. members offered to escort Broberg and provide their services as security personnel after Berchtold threatened violence against her if she presented her book, “Stolen Innocence: The Jan Broberg Story” at the Conference.[15]

The Conference commenced without issue until Berchtold arrived at the event. He approached B.A.C.A. member Les Watson and asked him to hand out literature to attendees. Watson wanted to review the papers before passing them out, which caused Berchtold to threaten him. Watson refused to hand out the papers, at which point he told other B.A.C.A. members to call the police. Berchtold returned to his vehicle before revving his engine aggressively and subsequently striking Watson with his vehicle. Upon being struck, Watson continued to cling to the van's hood for about 100 feet, at which point Berchtold brandished a gun and Watson jumped from the moving vehicle. Watson subsequently suffered back and leg injuries from the incident.

A witness was later able to provide the van's license plate number, which led to Berchtold's arrest on charges of simple assault, criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct. He was held at the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane, Utah until he was released on $970 bail,[16] which was later increased to $19,250 after he was charged.[17]

Program evaluation

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One of the group's founders, J.P. "Chief" Lilly,[18] and at least one other confirmed member of the group, Dee C. Ray, conducted a self-published study.[19][20] Lilly states the organization has respect and support in their mission from the four largest motorcycle clubs in the United States: the Bandidos, the Hells Angels, the Pagans and the Outlaws.[21] Staten Island Chapter President at the time, "Popeye", made references to the study in 2016, well before its publication, calling it "a preliminary study from 2014".[20]

The B.A.C.A. study states, “Although we are cautious in interpreting causation due to nature of single group design, it is evident that child emotional and behavioral improvement occurred during the time that children were involved in B.A.C.A. intervention. However, it should be noted, improvement also correlated with children’s temporal distance from the crisis situation.”[22]

Fundraising for B.A.C.A. in Katwijk, the Netherlands, 2010.

Complaints

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In January 2004, a group of B.A.C.A. members were removed from a Frontier Airlines aircraft preparing to travel to Denver, Colorado. A member, Darrell Sparti, approached a parent who had spanked his child on the flight and proceeded to tell the parent to stop. An argument ensued, whereupon Frontier staff asked both the family and the B.A.C.A. members to leave the plane, citing concern for "the safety of the passengers."[23][24][25]

On April 10, 2004, several members of B.A.C.A. arrived at a victim’s home upon the request of the child's mother. The child's alleged teenage abuser lived next door, and it was stated by the perpetrator's lawyer that B.A.C.A. members revved their engines and pointed at the alleged perpetrator's house. The article states most of the B.A.C.A. members did not know the alleged perpetrator lived next door, and therefore were not acting in a deliberate way as to harass the perpetrator. The police were called and approximately 20 officers visited the house. This incident escalated with allegations that the Payson police would start following the victim's family and any B.A.C.A. members any time they would be seen driving around town.[26]

In a June 2004 article, a former member alleged that some B.A.C.A. members had a tendency to take the law into their own hands.[25]

In 2016, New Zealand Police voiced concerns when B.A.C.A. opened their Auckland Chapter. At the time, Auckland B.A.C.A. Secretary Anne Murphy stated, "We do not use violence or intimidation.”[27]

Membership

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Road names are used by members and for any children in the abused family for confidentiality and protection.[28][29][30][31] Each member undergoes a minimum of 40–50 hours of initial training to better help support victims.[32][33] Before becoming a supporter, a person must be at least 18 years of age, be fingerprinted and have an extensive FBI background check done to ensure there are no prior charges of child or domestic abuse.[1]

Structure

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B.A.C.A. is a U.S. Registered non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Service.[34]

Disgraced former members

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On March 18, 2009, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Texas Attorney General's office announced that David Wayne Garvey, a member of B.A.C.A. in Houston, had been arrested for possession of child pornography. Upon being notified of his arrest, the Houston chapter permanently revoked Garvey's membership.[35][36][37][38][39][40] Garvey was sentenced on March 29, 2011, to 20 years on four counts of “Possession with intent to promote child pornography”, Texas Penal Code 43.26(e).[41][42][43]

Two members of the Sam Bass chapter of B.A.C.A. in Round Rock, Texas, Daniel Rodriguez and his wife Shirley Ann Rodriguez, were arrested on July 18, 2018, for 23 counts of abusing foster children in their care, including indecency with a child and injury to a child.[44][45][46][47] The Sam Bass chapter permanently revoked the memberships for both Daniel and Shirley Ann Rodriguez upon learning of the arrests.[48]

Oklahoma B.A.C.A. member Richard David West, 41, was arrested July 10, 2019 and charged with Lewd or Indecent Acts or Proposals to a Child Under 16. West was found to have photos and videos of the 15 year old victim who was introduced to him when she was 12 years old through the B.A.C.A. referral.[49][50]

Similar organizations

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Comparing B.A.C.A. To Other Similar Biker Organizations Involved In Child Abuse Protection[clarification needed]
Organization Name Year Established Founded In Operates In MC Style Hierarchy Charity Status Has Creed Holds Events Use of Colors Use of Aliases Claims to be Law Abiding
Templars Against Child Abuse[51] 1985 Denmark Worldwide Yes Non Profit N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bikers Against Child Abuse[52] 1995 USA Worldwide Yes 501(c)(3) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Punishers Law Enforcement MC[53] 1999 USA Worldwide N/A Non Profit N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes
Enforcers Law Enforcement MC[54] 2001 USA North America N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bikers United Against Child Abuse[55] 2001 Australia Australia N/A N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Guardians Of the Children[56] 2006 USA North America Yes 501(c)(3) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Gargoyles, Protectors Of Children MC[57] 2009 USA USA N/A Non Profit No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bikers Against Bullies[58] 2012 USA Worldwide No Non Profit Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Guardians of the Children Canada 2014 Canada North America Yes Canadian Charity Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Unique group working to help protect and empower children". Mountain Statesman. Archived from the original on 2019-05-13. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
  2. ^ Naylor, Brooke (2007-04-17). "Professor Leads BACA Crusade". The Daily Universe. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  3. ^ Morris, Chris (December 8, 2014). "Biker heroes: Hells Angels guardians for kids?". www.cnbc.com. MSNBC. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  4. ^ Noël, Brigitte (June 9, 2016). "These Quebec Bikers Want to Help Kids Confront Their Abusers". www.vice.com. Vice. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  5. ^ Doe, John. "Bikers Against Child Abuse". www.edmondoutlook.com. Edmond Outlook. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  6. ^ a b VanFleet, Rise; Lilly, John Paul; Kaduson, Heidi (1999). "Play therapy for children exposed to violence: Individual, family, and community interventions". International Journal of Play Therapy. 8 (1): 27–42. doi:10.1037/h0089426.
  7. ^ a b Bland, Karina (May 10, 2019). "These leather-clad bikers will do whatever it takes to make abused kids feel safe". azcentral. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
  8. ^ Rueger, Lydia (March 26, 2019). "Support for Abused Children". www.coloradoparent.com. Colorado Parent. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  9. ^ "Bikers to hit the streets to draw awareness to child abuse". Mountain Statesman. Archived from the original on 2020-09-19. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  10. ^ Hennessy, Joseph (18 July 2020). "Bikers Against Child Abuse holds Poker Run fundraiser". wibw.com.
  11. ^ Glazar, Ed (April 12, 2016). "BACA Balloon Release". www.gillettenewsrecord.com. Gillette News Record. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  12. ^ Vian, Jordan (March 29, 2017). "BACA to release balloons in honor of abused children". www.lacrossetribune.com. Houston County News. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  13. ^ Stewart, Charity (April 7, 2018). "B.A.C.A. Braves The Cold For Third Annual Balloon Release". county17.com. County 17. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  14. ^ "Child Awareness, B.A.C.A. Balloon Release". Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  15. ^ Brady Snyder (March 7, 2004). "Book's villain turns up at meet". Deseret News. Desert News Utah. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  16. ^ "Women's conference interrupted by former kidnapper". www.heraldextra.com. Daily Herald. March 8, 2004. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  17. ^ "Accused Kidnapper Hit with New Charges". www.ksl.com /. KSL.com. April 15, 2004. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  18. ^ "Bikers booted from plane after confronting parent". Deseret News. 2004-01-27. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  19. ^ Ray, Dee C.; Lilly, J.P.; Gallina, Nancy; MacIan, Paula; Wilson, Brittany (December 2017). "Evaluation of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) program: A community intervention for child abuse victims". Evaluation and Program Planning. 65: 124–130. doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2017.08.003. PMID 28810212. S2CID 207748044.
  20. ^ a b Revesz, Rachael (April 30, 2016). "How a group of US bikers are trying to stop child abuse". independent.co.uk. Independent UK. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  21. ^ Laura Hancock (April 30, 2016). "'Chief' wins award for efforts in protecting kids from abuse". Deseret News. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  22. ^ "Evaluation of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) program: A community intervention for child abuse victims" (PDF). www.news9.com. News 9. July 10, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  23. ^ Reavy, Pat (January 27, 2004). "Bikers booted from plane after confronting parent". Deseret News. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  24. ^ Scallin, Karen (January 26, 2004). "Utah BACA Members Kicked Off Plane". www.ksl.com. KSL.com. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  25. ^ a b Dennis Romboy (June 21, 2004). "Bikers evoke love, loathing". Deseret News. Desert News Utah. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  26. ^ Doe, John (April 21, 2005). "Payson's chief quit before discipline". Deseret News. Desert News Utah. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  27. ^ Hartley, Gemma (April 14, 2016). "Fears over bikers' support group for child abuse victims". www.nzherald.co.nz. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  28. ^ JULIE STAGIS (September 14, 2013). "Biker Group's Mission Is To Help Protect Children In Abuse Cases". www.courant.com. Hartford Courant. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  29. ^ Marleah Campbell (Jun 29, 2019). "Biking for a Cause: Motorcyclists take a stand for victims of child abuse". www.wibw.com. 13. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  30. ^ SHAAMINI YOGARETNAM (August 31, 2019). "Bikers take to Parliament Hill to stand against child abuse". www. ottawacitizen.com. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  31. ^ Fernanda Hernandez (January 12, 2017). "Bikers take to Parliament Hill to stand against child abuse". www. txktoday.com. TXK Today. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  32. ^ Seymour, Andrew (June 28, 2016). "'Their perp isn't going to get past us to hurt them again': Bikers ride to help child abuse victim". ottawacitizen.com. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  33. ^ Pinckney, Andrew (April 30, 2019). "Bikers Against Child Abuse comforts, shields society's most vulnerable victims". St. George News. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
  34. ^ "NCCS database". Archived from the original on 2015-07-13. Retrieved 2015-07-13.
  35. ^ Hundley, Wendy (March 18, 2009). "Abuse prevention group member arrested for pornography". dallasnews.com. Dallas News.
  36. ^ "TDCJ Criminal History". texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune. March 29, 2011. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  37. ^ "'Biker Against Child Abuse' arrested for child porn". www.chron.com. Chron. March 17, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  38. ^ "Anti-child abuse group member faces porn charges". www.waxahachietx.com. Daily Light. March 18, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  39. ^ Beaumont Enterprise (March 18, 2009). "Child abuse prevention advocate arrested for child porn". www.beaumontenterprise.com. Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  40. ^ ABC13 (March 18, 2009). "Former 'Biker Against Child Abuse' member arrested". abc13.com. Eyewitness News. Retrieved July 14, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ "TDCJ Criminal History". texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune. March 29, 2011. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  42. ^ BEN TINSLEY (April 14, 2011). "Ex-BACA member sentenced for porn". baytownsun.com. The Baytown Sun. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
  43. ^ "Sex Offender Registry". texastribune.org. Texas Department of Public Safety. April 7, 2011. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  44. ^ Plohetski, Tony (July 19, 2018). "Williamson County couple charged on counts of indecency with a child". kvue.com. KVUE ABC. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  45. ^ Osbourne, Claire (July 26, 2018). "More child abuse charged filed against Round Rock couple". statesman.com. Austin 360 Radio. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  46. ^ Austin American-Statesman (July 24, 2018). "ROUND ROCK COUPLE WITH BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE FACE NEW CHARGES". www.tarrant.tx.networkofcare.org. Tarrant Cares. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  47. ^ CBS Austin (July 25, 2018). "WilCo couple accused of indecency with a child was part of anti-abuse group". cbsaustin.com. CBS Austin. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  48. ^ Cantu, Tony (July 25, 2018). "Biker Group Condemns Round Rock Members Charged With Child Abuse". patch.com. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  49. ^ "Former Oklahoma Biker Against Child Abuse Member Charged With Child Sex Crimes". www.news9.com. JNews 9. July 10, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  50. ^ Bonnie Campeau (July 25, 2019). "Former Oklahoma Biker Against Child Abuse Member Charged With Child Sex Crimes". www.news9.com/. News 9. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  51. ^ "Templars Against Child Abuse (T.A.C.A)". Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  52. ^ "Bikers Against Child Abuse". Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  53. ^ "The Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club". Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  54. ^ "Enforcers Motorcycle Club". Retrieved 2019-07-24.
  55. ^ "Bikers United Against Child Abuse". Archived from the original on 2019-07-27. Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  56. ^ "Guardians of the Children". Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  57. ^ "Gargoyles, Protectors Of Children MC, History". Archived from the original on 2019-04-06. Retrieved 2019-07-24.
  58. ^ "Bikers Against Bullies". Archived from the original on 2019-07-24. Retrieved 2019-07-24.
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