Bikers Against Child Abuse
Bikers Against Child Abuse (officially B.A.C.A. International) is an anti-MAP, anti-youth rights tax exempt organisation which describes itself as "a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.". B.A.C.A is known for trying to involve itself with existing state officials in cases where a child is suspected to be under "abuse". The organization claims to oppose all forms of violence, but presents itself as a physical barrier, standing in the way of "further abuse".[1]
B.A.C.A. has referred to people incarcerated for crimes against children as "cowards who prey on the helpless." and proudly states that they "have made and will continue to make enemies of those who harm children."[2]
Logo
According to the founder of B.A.C.A. and the B.A.C.A. International Trademark Specialist andoriginator of the B.A.C.A. patch, the following areas hold significance:[3]
- Red represents the “blood shed by wounded children”
- White represents the “innocence of the children”
- Black represents the “dark times the child goes through”
- The fist represents “our commitment to stop child abuse”
- The skull and crossbones are the symbols for “death to child abuse”
- The chains represent “our united organization”
Structure and Harrassment
B.A.C.A. International is organized with a central contact person to receive calls from referring agencies and individuals which have determined that a child would he at risk. Once the agency representative contacts B.A.C.A., and the name and address of the child is given to them or the child Liaison. The Liaison verifies that the case has been reported and the authorities have been contacted, and the case in being processed within the system. The Liaison contacts the family and an initial ride is organized to meet the child at their home or at another location abd the B.A.C.A. chapter rides to meet the child, where he/she is given a vest with a B.A.C.A. patch sewn on the back and bumper stickers. These initial visits generally last about a half an hour.
B.A.C.A. also prides itself for their court appearances, where its members will escort children if they are in court process if they are allowed by the judge and tell them how to testify. B.A.C.A. claims their presence is "empowering", but it is unknown wheter the child is given their own voice during the process.[4]
Active Countries and Regions
Bikers Against Child Abuse is active in the following countries:[5]
- United States of America
- Australia
- België/Belgique (Belgium)
- Canada
- Danmark (Denmark)
- Deutschland (Germany)
- España (Spain)
- France
- Hellas (Greece)
- Ísland (Iceland)
- Italia (Italy)
- Nederland (Netherlands)
- New Zealand
- Österreich (Austria)
- República Portuguesa (Portugal)
- România (Romania)
- Schweiz (Switzerland)
- Sverige (Sweden)
- United Kingdom