Childhood should be a safe place to grow up.
The hard truth is that at least one in ten children will be physically or sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday. That means potentially one in ten childhoods will be devastated, and one in ten futures will be put at risk.
We believe that is one too many.
We're here to stop child abuse and make sure every child, every childhood, and every future is protected.
To help these victims do more than just survive. To give them the resources and resilience they need to heal, thrive, and grow up to realize their full potential.
We do that by supporting a robust network of Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, providing training for teams of professionals who respond to child abuse, educating our communities, and advocating for better policy to make sure kids are protected and offenders are held accountable.
To be a whole adult, you need a whole childhood.
That requires more than a roof over a child’s head. More than decent food to eat. It requires a place that’s truly safe to learn and grow, laugh, and play. When children face sexual and physical abuse, it doesn’t just affect them today. The consequences can be felt for years to come—in health, behavior, and life potential. It can mean a higher risk of chronic disease, suicide, increased drug use, and lower high school graduation rates.
That’s why our work to prevent and heal the immediate as well as longer-term harm caused by abuse can be truly life-changing for Pennsylvania’s children, both today…and tomorrow.
Here’s how we’re helping Pennsylvania’s children have their best tomorrows:
Stopping Abuse
Stopping Abuse
In 2019, over 16,000 children came to CACs in Pennsylvania because of suspected abuse [1]. We’re committed to stopping abuse when it happens, holding offenders accountable, and making sure victims get the support they need to heal.
Educating for Prevention and Response
Educating for Prevention and Response
In Pennsylvania, nearly 1/3 of all individuals who report suspected child abuse are school employees [2]. We’re training professionals in the best ways to respond. And helping everyone learn to recognize and report child abuse.
Restoring Futures
Restoring Futures
Children who are abused are 13% more likely to drop out of school and are at higher risk for long-term health and behavior problems [3]. Our CACs make it possible for Pennsylvania children who’ve experienced abuse to not just survive to adulthood, but to thrive.
Building a Stronger PA
Building a Stronger PA
The cost of child abuse in the U.S. is estimated at $830,928 per victim, much of which is paid for by the public [4] Together we can end abuse and put more of our resources toward building a stronger Pennsylvania and a healthier, happier future for all of us.
Sources: [1] NCA report for PA cases in 2019; [2] Child Protective Services 2019 Annual Report, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; [3] World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-maltreatment; [4] Cora Peterson, Curtis Florence, and Joanne Klevens. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA, “The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States, 2015,” Child Abuse & Neglect Volume 86, December 2018, Pages 178-183.
Inspiring Hope. Ending Abuse.
When it comes to helping victims of child abuse, it takes more than a village. It takes a multidisciplinary team of experts, strong community partnerships, and a unified voice for change.
Concerned Citizens
Concerned Citizens
Concerned about the reality of childhood abuse in Pennsylvania? Parent, survivor or ally, we're here to give you the information and resources you need to stand with us for victims in our state.
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Policy Makers
Policy Makers
We want to continue to build a more strategic conversation about child abuse at the state level, working on policies and procedures to help victims heal and have an empowered future.
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Community Partners
Community Partners
If you're a local business, professional association, or other nonprofit whose mission aligns with ours, let's work together to develop new initiatives and opportunities for children in PA.
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CAC Members
CAC Members
Through state-wide training, education, and advocacy, we're committed to advancing the work you do in your local communities.
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