Bikers step up for abused children

[totalmotorcycle]

Bikers step up for abused children
Monday, November 20, 2006 - By Chris Durant/The Times-Standard - times-standard.com


Bikers don't have the best reputation in the world.

From Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” to Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels, bikers have gained a reputation of being thugs and criminals.

But that's beginning to change.

”It's been said by some people pretty high up that bikers have no business dealing with children, let alone abused children,” said Bear Marler, president of the Humboldt County chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.

For the past six months the local chapter of BACA has been there for about 10 children who have been either physically, sexually or mentally abused.

”Our whole job is to empower abused children and show them they don't have to be afraid anymore,” Marler said. “If somebody wants to get to them (the children) they've got to go through us. We're not violent, but I'll take a bullet for one of these kids.”

Nationwide, BACA has been around since about 1995, started in Utah by JP Lilly.

Now there are about 100 chapters in 30 states and Australia. Chapters are starting in Canada and the United Kingdom too.

Marler was first made aware of the group by his wife, who was approached by a member of another chapter at a conference.

”My first reaction was yeah, yeah, that sounds great, but I didn't want to join a motorcycle club,” Marler said. “I just wanted to ride.”

The process of becoming a full chapter started more than a year ago.

Children are referred to the group by various social service agencies.

Plans are then made to have members ride to the child's house with a present, a big BACA blanket, a denim jacket or vest and some pins.

”The child knows we're coming, it's not like a bunch of bikers show up and scare them,” Marler said. “We tell them they're part of our family.”

A Polaroid is taken of the child with the group and given to the child.

”We tell them, 'Whenever you get scared you look at that, that's your family,'” Marler said.

The phone numbers of the two members who are geographically closest to the child are given to the child, who can call them whenever they need to for whatever reason.

Members also attend court proceedings with the child.

”When we go to court we don't say a word,” Marler said. “The perpetrators intimidate these children just with looks. We don't look at them, we just sit with the child.”

And sometimes the members stand with the children while they speak before the court.

”I've had girls squeeze my hand so hard while they're talking,” Marler said.

And the reaction from the public is gratifying, Marler said.

”People shake our hands and give us pats on the back, it's unusual when you dress like this,” Marler said. “It's nice to have someone tell us thank you.”

More information on BACA can be found at www.bacausa.com or by calling 498-9908.