This story discusses child sex abuse. If you need to report child abuse—or you need help navigating concerns—a 24-hour crisis line is available to South Georgians at 229-435-0074.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Two men are under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor in Albany, sparking child abuse experts to remind families across Southwest Georgia: believe children when they disclose abuse, report concerns right away and avoid asking detailed questions that could complicate an investigation.

According to Chief Michael Persely with the Albany Police Department (APD), the assault happened between 2023 and 2024.

The case is one example of the cases that children’s advocates say can happen in any community.

‘Believe them’

“Number one, if a child discloses to you, believe them,” said Mary Martinez, executive director of Lilypad, Albany’s Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Martinez said one reason that the message matters is that children often aren’t believed.

“Honestly, false allegations are less than 5 percent,” she said.

Martinez encouraged parents and caregivers to report a disclosure to law enforcement or the Department of Family and Children Services (DCFS).

What ‘Lilypad’ does

Martinez said Lilypad provides independent experts in child abuse cases who conduct forensic interviews with children who may have been sexually or physically abused. The center also provides forensic medical examinations to adults and children.

She said the approach is designed to be child-friendly.

“We make sure that they feel empowered,” Martinez said, adding that children are interviewed without law enforcement or DFCS in the room.

Lilypad records those interviews in a closed-circuit room so they can be used later in court, Martinez said. She added that the work doesn’t end there.

“We follow up with parents throughout the entire process,” she said.

Martinez said Lilypad meets regularly with partners—including the district attorney’s office, DFCS, law enforcement, specialized therapists, forensic interviewers and forensic nurses—to make sure families don’t fall through the cracks.

Common fear: ‘Will my child be taken away?’

Parents can be afraid to come forward after a disclosure, Martinez said, sometimes worrying their child could be removed from their care.

“Any time a child discloses to a parent, they’re scared. They don’t know what to do,” she said.

Martinez said parents can also blame themselves.

“Like, ‘Oh my gosh, is this my fault that I let this happen?’ And it’s just not,” she said.

She said many victims are harmed by someone they know and trust, meaning families may not see it coming.

What to expect

Martinez said the first step parents should take is to report concerns immediately.

“Our response time is 45 minutes,” Martinez said. “We’ll be here in 45 minutes, any time of day or night.”

Martinez said parents should avoid questioning their child in detail.

“Of course, as a parent, you want to know what happened… When did this happen… How many times did it happen?” she said. “Stop with those questions. Let the professionals ask those questions in a forensically sound manner.”

She said staff walks non-offending caregivers through the process—starting with an assessment and an explanation of what the family can expect.

“We explain that whole judicial process to them so they can feel comfortable in knowing what their next steps are,” Martinez said.

Martinez said confidentiality is a priority at Lilypad.

“We keep our doors locked 24/7,” Martinez said.

Prevention: start conversations early

Martinez said one way parents can try to prevent abuse is to keep an open conversation.

“The best way that parents can try to prevent child abuse is always have an open conversation with them and teach them proper names for body parts,” she said.

She said families should also talk about touches that are okay and not okay.

How many kids are served

Martinez said Lilypad sees more than 350 children each year in Albany and follows up on every case.

“We make sure that they know where everything is in the judicial process,” she said. “And everything we do is free.”

For children who have been victimized multiple times, Martinez said trauma-focused therapy and support groups can be key.

How to get help

If you need to report child abuse—or you need help navigating concerns—Lilypad’s 24-hour crisis line is 229-435-0074.

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