Impact of Texas CACs

A children’s advocacy center (CAC) is the ONE non-profit to serve as the first stop for children victimized by sexual abuse or severe physical abuse or who have witnessed a violent crime. CACs provide a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical, and mental health professionals can share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child. It is the goal of all local centers to reduce trauma to child abuse victims and their families by offering six core services:

• Joint Investigation Coordination
• Specialized Forensic Interviews
• Medical Evaluations
• Multidisciplinary Team Case Review
• Trauma-Focused Therapy

• Family Advocacy and Victim Support

The Texas network of 71 CACs now officially serve 208 counties where 98% of the Texas population resides. In fiscal year 2018, 58,432 children received critical services at a Texas children's advocacy center. Of the children served…

• 21% were not old enough to attend kindergarten.
• 35% were male.
• 98% of children victims knew their alleged perpetrator.
• 327 were involved in sex trafficking.

The types of abuse reported were…

• 67% sexual abuse;
• 17% physical abuse;
• 7% witness to a crime;
• 4% neglect;
• 2% sexual and physical abuse; and
• less than 1% fatality.

For more information about CACs in Texas, download these resources.

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