Memphis Child Advocacy Center

FAQs


1. Do children live at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC)?
No, children do not live at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Children come to the Center for forensic interviews and counseling, but no one actually resides in the building.

2. Where do the children who come to the Center live? Are they with their parents or in foster care?
Most children who receive services at the Memphis CAC continue to live in their homes. The Department of Children's Services (DCS) tries to keep children in their homes whenever possible. DCS staff members work with the family to develop immediate plans for protection together for each child, which does sometimes involve removing the child from his/her home and placing him/her with another relative or in foster care.

3. How/why do children come to the CAC? How do cases get to the CAC team?
After a formal report to DCS or law enforcement based on specific allegations, children may come to the Memphis CAC for a forensic (investigative) interview and/or counseling services.

The CAC uses a team approach to deal with the issue of child abuse. This Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT) is comprised of the following agencies:

Bartlett Police Department, Collierville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation-Memphis Division, Germantown Police Department, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Memphis Police Department, Millington Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Shelby County District Attorney General, Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, Shelby County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee Bureau of  Investigation, Tennessee Department of Children's Services, U.S. Attorney Office Western District of Tennessee, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Services.

The Center houses representatives from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, the Department of Children's Services, the Memphis Police Department, and the District Attorney General's office, along with Child Advocacy Center staff. Representatives from each of these agencies work together on a daily basis to help victims of child abuse. The team reviews reports of abuse for the Shelby County area and determines the next steps for each case.

Click here for more information about our team approach.

4. How is the CAC funded?
The Memphis CAC, a private non-profit agency, has a diverse funding base which includes foundation and government grants, individual donations, corporate gifts and investments. Click here to read specific information on funding of the Memphis CAC in the last year.

5. How do I make a report of suspected abuse?
To report abuse in Tennessee, please call 1-877-237-0004. This number is toll-free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

According to Tennessee law, ALL persons must report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. This includes doctors, police, teachers, parents, mental health professionals, child care providers, providers, dentists, family members and friends.

If you suspect abuse is occurring, make the report. You could save a child's life.

Click here to read more about the Tennessee law for reporting abuse.

6. What if I'm not sure a child is being abused?
Individuals sometimes hesitate to report physical or sexual abuse cases unless they are convinced beyond a doubt that the abuse occurred. Although this is understandable, it is not a legal response and often comes from misguided "good intentions." Tennessee law requires you to report even suspicions of child abuse. Do not try to find "proof" that the abuse has happened before choosing to take action. You could ultimately jeopardize the child's protection and the investigation by not acting on a reasonable suspicion. In Tennessee, all persons have a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse.

7. How can I tell if a child is being sexually abused?
Sometimes there are physical signs of sexual abuse, but the majority of sexual abuse cases have no physical evidence. Just because a child displays one or more of these behaviors listed in the link below, it doesn't necessarily mean that sexual abuse has occurred. In the same respect, even if your child does not have physical signs of abuse, you should believe it when he/she tells you something has happened.

Click here for more information on symptoms of abuse.

8. Do children ever make false allegations of child abuse?
Multiple studies demonstrate that false allegations of child sexual abuse are rare. In fact, only 2 percent of such allegations are shown to be based on lies--and the majority of those come from adults, not from children who say they have been victimized.

Remember, children are often afraid to tell anyone that they've been sexually abused because the abuser may have threatened them or because they fear they'll be punished for what happened. That makes it all the more important for adults to believe a child who has the courage to come forward - even in the face of the rare lie.

9. Why aren't more cases of child abuse prosecuted?
The Shelby County District Attorney's office does accept about 60% of child abuse cases for criminal prosecution. However, before they can accept a case for criminal prosecution, the law says they must be satisfied that the evidence is sufficient to unanimously persuade a jury of twelve men and women, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the suspect is guilty of a crime. When the evidence meets this standard, they will prosecute. When the evidence does not meet this standard, they will not prosecute. They rely upon their education and experience as prosecutors to make these difficult decisions.

The decision to decline criminal prosecution is often disappointing for the child victim and his or her family. However, a decision to decline criminal prosecution does not mean that the District Attorney's office thinks the offense did not occur, or that they do not care about the child. The decision to decline only means that the prosecutors think the evidence is insufficient to a criminal prosecution.

10. Are children scarred for life if they are sexually abused?
Children are remarkably resilient and can overcome the trauma of sexual abuse and lead normal, happy, healthy lives. Family support and counseling can reduce the likelihood of lifelong trauma.

However, child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse can result in negative and/or destructive behaviors among its victims, which can continue into adulthood if successful intervention does not occur. In addition to the greater potential for criminal behavior, these negative and/or destructive behaviors may include depression, guilt, learning difficulties, runaway behavior, hysterical seizures, phobias, nightmares, compulsive rituals, self-destructive behaviors, development of eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, indiscriminate sexual behavior, and suicidal behaviors.

11. How many perpetrators were abused themselves?
It is a common perception that most perpetrators were abused as children. This is not true--a minority of sex offenders are victims of abuse, though the numbers are higher than the general population. One study showed that about 30% of offenders were sexually abused as children and about 20% were physically abused (there may be some crossover with these percentages).

12. Will all abused children grow up to become perpetrators?
No. Very few child abuse victims go on to abuse others. One study showed that 5% or less of child sexual abuse victims abused other children as adults. According to this study, victims with female perpetrators and witnesses of domestic violence were the most likely to abuse as adults.

13. What are the ages of the children that come to the Center?
We see children of all ages, many races and both genders. The average age is 7 years old.

14. How can I tell if a sex offender lives near me?
While not all offenders are registered, you can access a list of registered sex offenders in your area. Click here to check the Tennessee registry.

Unfortunately, not all states have a registry. Information regarding sexual abuse convictions is public record and can also be obtained from the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the person was convicted.

15. Are gifts to the CAC tax deductible?
Yes, the CAC is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization; therefore, all gifts to the CAC are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For additional information on the tax-deductibility of gifts to the CAC, contact donations@memphiscac.org or call 901.888.4340.

16. Are pledges and one-time gifts the only kinds of gifts accepted by the Memphis Child Advocacy Center?
No. Pledges and one-time gifts are the most common kinds of donations, but some donors may find it more advantageous to make a gift of appreciated stock. To learn more about types of gifts accepted by the Memphis CAC, contact donations@memphiscac.org or call 901.888.4340.

17. Does the Memphis CAC accept matching gifts?
Yes, the Memphis CAC gladly accepts matching gifts. Donors should check with the personnel or human resources department of their employers to see if the company offers a matching gift program. If it does, donors simply complete the company form and submit it to the CAC along with their pledge.

18. Typically, who is the child abuser?
There is no one "type" of abuser. However, children are most often abused by people they know and trust. Abusers may be family members, friends of the family, or babysitters. They can be rich, poor or middle-class, male or female, young or old. They can be of any race or religion and can work in any profession. You cannot tell simply by looking at a person if he or she is a child abuser.

19. How do I protect my child from being abused?

  • Communicate, communicate, communicate.
  • Speak to your children using the proper names for their body parts. Armed with information, children are better able to report abuse to you.
  • Teach your children about safe and unsafe touches, as well as what is appropriate physical affection.
  • Let your children know that respect for elders doesn't extend to an adult that has made your child uncomfortable. It's OK to say no and it's OK to leave the situation, if possible.
  • Trust your instincts. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, follow up.
  • Know the people your children spend time with (babysitters, friends parents, etc.). Check references and backgrounds of potential babysitters. Meet them, and make sure your child is comfortable with them, too.
  • Remember, it is rarely a stranger who abuses a child, so do not focus only on stranger safety when you talk to your child about abuse.

Believe your child. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse.

20. Does the Center provide online mental health services?
We cannot provide mental health services online. If you live in the Memphis area and have been abused, or know someone who has, you may be able to find help by contacting one of the following agencies:

To report abuse in TN: 1-877-237-0004

Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee Parent Helpline: 1-800-356-6767

If you are seeking counseling services following a report of child sexual abuse, contact the Memphis Child Advocacy Center at 901-525-2377.

For adult rape:
Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center:
901-272-2020 or click here. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

For crisis intervention:
The Crisis Center: 901-274-7477

For domestic violence:
Exchange Club Family Center:
901-276-2200 or http://www.exchangeclub.net/

YWMC Abused Women's Services. Hotline 901-458-1661

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

21. Does the Memphis Child Advocacy Center address custody or visitation issues? No. The CAC serves children who are victims of severe physical and sexual abuse. We do not provide legal advocacy or advice, nor do we provide advice or assistance in matters of custody or visitation.