My name is Mike Barnard and my sons name is Nico Barnard. Today I am posting as a father, activist and advocate against child abuse for my 8 year old son.

N.I.C.O stands for No Innocent Child Overlooked.

About my son:
Nico is an amazing 8 year old boy that can light up a room. He is loving and can put a smile on anyones face.
 
In May 2018 when he was 4 years old, he showed up to pre-school with a hematoma on the side of his head that was medically diagnosed by his medical doctor, along with slight bruising on his temple and cheek.  His abuser had been physically and verbally abusing Nico for months, except this time, there were marks.  While my son has now been attending therapy and has constant flashbacks of what happened, his abuser continues to live life as if nothing happened without any repercussions of what he did.  In December of 2020, we were able to obtain another temporary restraining order to keep Nico safe.  His trial is on Feb 18th 2021 and we need help paying the remaining balance of his attorney fees.  

My name has never been on any reports that I have ever touched or abused my son in anyway and Child Protective Services has never taken him from me.  

Why am I doing this:
Nicos story needs to be heard because I guarantee Nico is not the only child that has been physically abused and told "to stop talking" and "stop lying" about it.  Nico still talks about what happened to him, and to date, he has been interviewed by 9 different people of authority and still nothing has been done! 

It is my duty as a man and a father to care and protect my son.  The day after the judge made his decision, Nico was removed from his school and his primary pediatrician that he had since he was a baby, was changed.  I want to take him back to his school, where his friends are.  I want him around people that love him and for him to know WE believe him.  I am the only one fighting for him and even if I lose my house and have to sleep in my car, I will do anything to protect him!

Nico has been through so much and I can't let what happened to him go away until someone listens.

My family and I would be forever grateful for any support we receive and hope someone sees this story and stops turning their back to children.

Thank you!