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By Chase Arnold

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – A first-of-its-kind program in Tennessee is aiming to help children who have been exposed to domestic violence and sexual assault.

This week the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County is hosting Camp HOPE. 35 families at the center are taking part in the pilot program.

At the camp kids will take part in fun activities like zip-lining and rock climbing. They will also be doing art therapy and counseling, all in hopes of preventing the children from becoming victims or abusers in the future.

“This isn’t just them having fun. It’s a great opportunity for them to be able to deal with some of those traumatic events that have happened in their lives and to give them some great hope and strategies for those,” says Mia Harvey, the community outreach specialist for the Family Safety Center.

This year’s camp focuses on children between the ages of 7 and 11. The Family Safety Center is hoping to expand the program next year to include children ages 12 to 17.