THE ORGANIZATION

Little Warriors is a national, charitable organization based in Alberta which is focused on the awareness, prevention, and treatment of child sexual abuse. They also advocate on behalf of and with child sexual abuse survivors. Obtaining charitable status in January of 2007, Little Warriors is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers and staff that have worked to create an action based charitable organization to bring awareness, offer prevention education and treatment for children who have experienced child sexual abuse.

The Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch by Ray LaBonte and Family, opened in 2014 and is a specialized, trauma-informed evidence-based, treatment centre focused on helping children who have been sexually abused, as well as their families. This program, for girls and boys from 8-12 years old and girls between the ages of 13 and 16, was designed with significant input from many leading academic and clinical experts who specialize in child sexual abuse. The Be Brave Ranch program helps children overcome the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and changes the trajectory of their lives. With the proper therapeutic interventions, child survivors of sexual abuse can become adults with strong mental health that supports a positive outlook on life and enables them to participate in life and accomplish their goals.

The name Little Warriors was inspired by a painting – the spirit of a warrior lives within every survivor of child sexual abuse. The imagery of a warrior is linked to child sexual abuse because victims need the strength and spirit of their inner warrior to face their experiences and heal. Like a warrior, these children also need the help, compassion, support, and love of many people (like a tribe), to overcome the many obstacles they will face.

Little Warriors is committed to:

Awareness

Raise awareness and provide information about child sexual abuse.

Treatment

Provide a treatment facility to help children cope with the devastating effects of child sexual abuse.

Prevention

Provide child sexual abuse prevention strategies to adults through education.

Advocacy

To ensure the rights, needs and interests of children are respected and protected.

For further information on Little Warriors, please visit their website at www.littlewarriors.ca