What is child sexual abuse?
Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and another person (an adult or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator or observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors.
Touching behaviors may involve contact with genitals, breasts or buttocks, oral-genital contact, or sexual intercourse.
Non-touching behaviors can include voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s naked body), exhibitionism (obtaining gratification from the indecent exposure of one’s genitals), or exposing the child to pornography.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CSEC) is a form of child sexual abuse. This term refers to any person under the age of 18 who engages, agrees to engage in or offers to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value including money, food, shelter, clothing, education or care.
Is the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County a non-profit?
Yes, the CAC of Bristol County is not-for-profit, tax exempt 501c(3) charitable organization.
Does my appointment at the Bristol County CAC cost money?
No, services are provided free of charge. Our Pedi-SANE may recommend specimen collections to be tested by a laboratory. In those cases, the nurse will obtain information regarding your insurance provider.
How is the CAC of Bristol County governed?
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County is a program of the 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, Justice Resource Institute (JRI). The CAC was established in 2007 and merged with JRI in 2017. The CAC maintains a 10-person Advisory Council and is governed by the JRI Board of Directors.
Does the CAC of Bristol County provide services to adults?
Yes, we provide services to disabled adults who are protected under the Disabled Persons Protection Committee (DPPC). All reports of suspected abuse of a person with a disability should be made to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s 24 hour hotline at 1-800-426-9009.
How are children referred to the Center?
Children are referred through three agencies mandated to receive reports of child abuse: Law enforcement, Department of Children & Families and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. All services provided are derived from any of these investigative authorities.
We serve as a public clearing house and regularly offer guidance and support to the public, teachers, medical personnel and other child-serving entities on how to navigate concerns about child abuse.
Should you suspect that your child (or a child that you know) has been abused, please call 911 or the statewide intake line of DCF at 1-800-792-5200.
Where are you located?
58 Arch Street
Fall River, MA 02724