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Children who are abused are filled
with loneliness, fear, pain, and darkness.
The Children's Advocacy Center of Catawba County and a
strong network of community partners work to create a
refuge from that darkness. This has been done by
establishing a child-focused and family-friendly place
for victims and their non-offending family members. Here
they begin the healing process with treatment,
intervention and prosecution..
What is the role of
the Children’s Advocacy Center?
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The CAC wants to assure the victims
and their family that they are not alone.
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It works to minimize the trauma a
child can suffer during the child abuse
investigation and intervention. The CAC is
designed to enhance the coordination between
agencies and professionals involved in serving
sexually abused children and their non-offending
family members during an investigation
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The CAC strives to stop the cycle
of child abuse and neglect. It works to increase
public awareness of the issues surrounding the
trauma that results in the life of their abused
child, the family, and the community..
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What happens when
sexual abuse is reported?
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Report of suspicion or child abuse
is made to authorities: law enforcement or the
Department of Social Services by calling
828-324-9111.
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Interviews by a caring team made up
of social workers, law enforcement, and other
professional as needed, which may include doctors
and a therapist.
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The incident is reviewed by the
team of professionals to ensure that the victims
are receiving the help and support needed.
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Referrals may be made to family
counseling to provide support, education, and help
in the healing process.
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Criminal charges may be brought
against the abuser, depending on the
circumstances. This could result in the case being
referred to the court system..
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What
should you do if abuse of your child is reported?
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Reassure your child. Make sure that
your child knows you believe him or her and that
you know they are not at fault. Victims of child
sexual abuse are never to blame!
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Work with social workers, law
enforcement, health-care, and other professionals
during the investigation.
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Protect your child by keeping them
away from the suspected abuser.
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Show your child love and
understanding. Simply listen and be supportive.
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Get help from a family counselor or
therapist for both you and your child. You don't
have to go through this alone.
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Let us know your concerns and
needs..
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Sexual abuse may include ...
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Inappropriately touching or
fondling a child
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Making a child perform sexual
contact or sexual acts with an adult or another
child.
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Having a child view, read, or
participate in pornography
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Making obscene telephone calls or
sending sexually explicit e-mails to children
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Often the abuser is someone the child
knows and trusts.
Sometimes children are threatened not to tell. |
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