Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) members do not use their full names. Because they are empowering children who have been abused, these same abusers or those that support them may decide to target BACA members. All road names are kid-friendly and many come from cartoons or children’s stories.

The sound of rumbling exhaust pipes as a group of motorcycles draws near means that help is coming. Members of Bikers Against Child Abuse International (BACA), “breaking the chains of abuse,” make all visits on two wheels to those who seek their help.

“[BACA] exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live,” states the organization’s mission statement posted on Bacaworld.org.

A new Connecticut-based chapter has started in Newtown, making it the second in the state.

“Starting a chapter in Newtown will help us do a better job of reaching abused kids in Connecticut,” said Irish Baca, president of the Western Connecticut chapter. The mother chapter is in Brooklyn, Conn. This new chapter has been formed “to better manage the state as a whole.” With chapters in most states across the country, these bikers part of an international organization that also has chapters in Australia, Italy, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Germany, among other locations.

The group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Irish explained, “We are temporary for a year before becoming a full chapter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do what a chapter does.”

Newtown is in the beginning stages of becoming a chapter, and by March 2016 should be a fully recognized BACA chapter.

Explaining that the group makes all its visits on motorcycles, Irish said, “We are indeed bikers, we ride in all types of weather, anywhere and at anytime.”

Regarding a child and family who meet with BACA members, Irish said, “Children have an uncanny sense for honesty and trust. The children can feel when they are being lied to or deceived. When a large group of bikers ride to a child’s home to support and honor that child, and the bikers tell that child that he/she does not need to be afraid anymore because the bikers are there and will be there under any circumstances, the children feel the security of a brotherhood.

“Children understand that child abusers are cowards that prey on the helpless,” he continued. “After children have been introduced into the BACA family they are not helpless or powerless anymore. Bikers are a tightly knitted group. The brotherhood and family values are not just a way to live, but a way of life. One for all and all for one is not just a quote, it is our reality.”

Irish explained that BACA “adopts” the children, making them a part of the protective group.

“Our kids are everywhere in the state,” he said.

The process starts when a family contacts BACA through its hotline regarding a child. BACA then needs confirmation of a case.

“When a family calls our hotline, they have an issue, either the child has been abused and is in court, or child services, it has to be documented. We need to know there is a case,” said Irish, at which point, “we’ll get involved.” BACA’s involvement “comes down to one thing: we are there to empower the child so the child feels safe. Often the offenders are out [of jail] or harassing the family in some way.”

BACA will send two members to meet the family and explain what they do “and see if the fit makes sense, meets criteria,” Irish said. Members will next meet the child.

“We all ride in on bikes,” he said. “We give them a little vest and let them know that ‘you’re with us now,’ and you can call us any time.”

The BACA efforts are a 24-hour endeavor.

“If it means standing in a driveway at 2 am,” then that is what members do so the children feel safe. Members will “always accompany them to court; we escort them to the courthouse and we are with them in the court.” Irish said, “We make it so they are not afraid to be there. Court’s a scary place, even for adults. Imagine it for a kid.”

Irish said members all have their own reason for getting involved.

“In my case I had a happy childhood, thank god, but I hate bullies and people who prey on kids are the worst kind.”

A New Chapter In Newtown

“Most people are not aware that we exist in Newtown now,” said Irish. “We are trying to get the word out. If someone wants to become a part of us, it’s a commitment.” He said prospective members must have an an FBI background check, and prospect before becoming a patched member. Irish said this is “like a year’s probation and then we decide as a group if they become a member, and it’s voluntary, there is no pay.” BACA needs people “to go when they are asked to go.”

Five officers are required to start a chapter — a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant at arms.

Also, members must ride a bike.

“We are bikers, when we say that, we mean it,” said Irish. Also, the motorcycle must go at least 65 mph. There are no restrictions on gender.

To inquire about membership, visit bacaworld.org, or call State President Happy Baca at 860-912-4038. The Western Connecticut chapter meets at Newtown VFW Post 308 regularly.

The BACA website tells the story: BACA was founded by John Paul “Chief” Lilly. Chief is a licensed clinical social worker in Utah, a registered play therapist/supervisor. He was working with an 8-year-old child who was so frightened of his perpetrators that he would not leave his residence.

Chief, having had kind and loving experiences with bikers in his youth, was moved to include this boy in his biker circle. Within weeks, this boy was seen all over town riding his bike and playing with other children. The idea to rally the biker community in defense and in support of children was actualized in 1995 when the first ride was held to visit wounded children and bring them into the biker family. That first ride had 27 bikes.

From there word spread quickly. Shortly after forming the first chapter in Utah, another chapter was formed in Utah, then Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. What was started as an idea was actualized by the dedicated and heartfelt love of bikers across the country, according to the website.

The Western Connecticut Chapter will host the Sixth Annual BACA Pig Roast Fundraiser in Brooklyn on Sunday, September 19. The menu will be roast pig, potatoes, onions, baked beans, salad, bread; free draft beer, cash bar. The event will take place at Amvets Post #47, 660 Wauregan Road, starting at 4 pm. Tickets are $20 per person with only 100 tickets available. Contact Irish at 203-969-8130 or ACK at 860-966-6606.

Anyone interested in reaching BACA for their children should call the State Hotline number at 860-420-7388. Videos about the organization, including this one, are also available on YouTube.