In 2001, after several appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Evergreen Press published Ms. Vates’ book, “Shattered Innocence,” which exposes the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and the aftermath in adult life.
Kelly Vates is a survivor of child sexual abuse, and the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Fair Haven Center for Women in Lake County, Indiana. Ms. Vates has more than 22 years of experience in her own personal recovery and 16 years in Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy. She is a national speaker and trainer on sexual assault, and has been invited to numerous conferences throughout the country to share her story of hope and healing.
In 2001, after several appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Evergreen Press published Ms. Vates’ book, “Shattered Innocence,” which exposes the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and the aftermath in adult life. The book offers survivors a ray of hope through healing and recovery. In 2012, Ms. Vates participated in a documentary entitled Shadows of Innocence, which was produced by WTIU Public Television for Indiana University.
Ms. Vates serves as the Co-Chair of the Lake County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). She also serves on the Indiana Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Standards and Certification Board, which is working to develop standards for certification as a sexual assault victim advocate in Indiana.
Ms. Vates has dedicated her life to the education and prevention of abuse and sexual violence. It is her way of taking the pain of her past and transforming it into a blessing. Her encouragement to other victims of violence: “There is life without pain! The journey toward healing begins with one small step.”