For Immediate Release
Contact: Angeline Martyn, Director of Communications
Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center
401-421-4100 ext. 223
Providence, RI- November 9, 2005- Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Congressman Jim Langevin announce the appropriation of $150,000 to support the expansion of the RI Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), a
program of the Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center (SATRC). These funds will support child victims of sexual and physical abuse through the expansion of CAC services for children and their families.
Last year alone, SATRC provided services to 12,555 children and adults. Nearly 60% of the victims of sexual abuse receiving direct services at SATRC are children. Nationally statistics suggest that 1 in 5
children will be a victim of sexual violence before the age of 18.
"It is devastating to witness the nationwide prevalence of child sexual abuse and I am committed to
supporting SATRC in their efforts to combat violence and reduce the trauma endured by victims and their families," says Patrick Kennedy. The appropriation of these funds to support child victims of sexual and
physical violence is absolutely necessary."
"A critical component of SATRC's strategic plan for the future involves expanding services for children and
families through the RI Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), says Peg Langhammer, executive director, SATRC. "SATRC's vision is to develop the CAC as a comprehensive resource and response center where
children and families can access a wide array of treatment, advocacy, and support services."
Already, through a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach, the CAC enables professionals from the
Department of Children, Youth & Families, law enforcement, criminal justice, SATRC, and the medical and mental health communities come together under one roof to minimize the number of times a child has to
tell of the abuse. Based on a national model, the CAC provides a safe and welcoming place for children to be heard throughout the investigation, thus ensuring that children are not further victimized by the
systems intended to protect them.
"The long term plan exists to co-locate law enforcement and prosecutors at the CAC to provide optimal services," says Langhammer.
"The expansion of the CAC will better coordinate and serve child victims, at one child-friendly site," says Congressman Langevin. " We've already witnessed the Children's Advocacy Center's effective method of
gathering community partners to ensure a coordinated approach to pursuing the truth in child abuse investigations. I wholeheartedly support the expansion of their services and the powerful work that they do."
