Episode 139: Zero Abuse Project

Zero Abuse Project is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to transforming institutions in order to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse.

Our programs are designed to provide cross-disciplinary education and training, advocacy for systemic legal change, guidance for survivor support, and leadership on emerging technologies. We take a holistic approach by also recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of child maltreatment in connection with child sexual abuse.

Zero Abuse Project is working to eliminate child sexual abuse in all of its forms.

Rita Farrell has over 24 years of experience working with child abuse investigations as a forensic interviewer and founding executive director of a child advocacy center. In her role as a Senior Director with Zero Abuse Project, Rita admits that her role as a forensic  interviewer of child abuse victims is her “true passion.”

In July 2000, Rita undertook the challenge of opening Chaucie’s Place, a child advocacy center in Hamilton County, IN. The combination of her roles as executive director and forensic interviewer naturally led Rita to become involved with state and national organizations in the field of child abuse.

Rita serves as a Senior Director for Zero Abuse Project,  managing the national and international ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Training program, which she is a co-author of the model and has conducted thousands of child interviews. In addition, she manages the development of advanced training courses and programs for prosecutors, law enforcement, CPS, forensic interviewers and investigators.

Rita is a certified law enforcement instructor and still conducts forensic interviews in the field. She has testified in numerous court cases and has authored many peer-reviewed articles and publications specific to child abuse investigations and forensic interviewing of child abuse victims.  As a nationally recognized speaker, Rita continues to champion the cause of child advocacy and serves as a board member for the Indiana Coalition of Child Advocacy Centers. She is a member of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) and serves on numerous councils, task forces, and boards in the areas of child abuse and domestic violence. Rita was presented with the U.S. Attorney General’s award for “Outstanding Service to Victims of Crime” by the U.S. Attorney General of Indiana and is also the recipient of the “Champion for  Children” award.