The Exchange Club of Waycross closed out Child Abuse Prevention Month with a detailed and sobering look at how Georgia’s investigative agencies work to protect the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Guest speaker GBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Jessica Hamilton was the guest speaker. She was joined by GBI Agent Taylor Hundley. SAC Hamilton walked members through the Bureau’s role in responding to and preventing child-related crimes.
She explained the GBI operates as a request agency, stepping in when local sheriff’s offices or police departments call for assistance. The Douglas Regional Office, which covers 11 counties, includes agents specially trained in forensic interviewing, child-abuse investigations, sexual-assault cases, and child-abduction response.
Hamilton also highlighted the work of the GBI’s CEACC Unit — Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes — which focuses on cases involving child sexual abuse material and works closely with federal and local partners.
Child-abuse investigations, Hamilton emphasized, are never handled by a single agency. Effective response requires cooperation among law enforcement, DFCS, medical providers, child-abuse specialists, and advocacy centers.
For Ware County, the GBI partners with the Satilla Advocacy Center, which provides a child-friendly environment for forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and family support. These centers also help educate parents, teachers, and community members on recognizing and preventing abuse. Hamilton closed by reminding club members prevention begins long before a case reaches law enforcement. Community members can play a crucial role by recognizing behavioral changes, reporting concerns, supporting stressed caregivers, promoting safe environments, and staying engaged with local advocacy centers.
“By staying aware and speaking up,” she said, “we help create a community where children feel safe.”
