Why Does Our County Need A CAC?
The Facts
Children of every gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, religion, and family structure are at risk of abuse.
- 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before turning 18
- 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before turning 18
- 1 in 5 children is sexually solicited while online
- Most children do not report the abuse
Teaching your child about "stranger danger" isn't enough.
- 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser.
- 39% are abused by a family member.
The Benefits of a CAC:
In the past, allegations of child abuse were investigated independently by the various agencies necessarily involved in such cases. The child was subjected to repeated interviews by well-meaning social, legal, medical, mental health, and law enforcement agencies as they tried to address investigative and protective concerns. This process was insensitive to the victim and resulted in duplication of effort, working at cross-purposes, and ineffective and delayed responses and intervention.
Today, a child can be brought to a Children's Advocacy Center ("CAC") that recognizes the special, unique needs of child victims. CACs utilize a comprehensive, child-friendly, culturally competent, multidisciplinary team process. This fosters collaboration among the agencies involved to promptly and effectively evaluate the child's allegation with regard to protective and safety concerns, mental health issues, medical treatment, and possible criminal prosecution.