HOPE. At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties (CACHSC), one of our goals is to help children find hope again after being abused. We’ve been guiding children through this journey since 2001. Nearly 70% of our cases are for youth who have experienced sexual abuse.
With therapy, we see the strength and resilience of these children. Bringing hope and light in a time of darkness enables the first steps forward, our team smiles through our tears as we see them thrive. Today we’re sharing just one of our thousands of success stories. Every success story gets us one step closer to stopping the cycle of abuse.
Success Story Spotlight
At 16 years old, a girl came to CACHSC after being sexually abused by her grandfather. She felt sad, isolated, and unlovable. After therapy with our compassionate team, she found hope again, and is now engaging with others, developing new healthy relationships, and learning to laugh again! She’s even gone from failing her classes to successfully graduating high school.
Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
There are many ways you can help children in situations like this example, including watching for the warning signs of sexual abuse. These signs can include physical or emotional abuse—or both.
Emotional Warning Signs
Emotional signs are more common in cases of sexual abuse. However, these emotional responses can range from having almost “perfect” behavior to acting out and withdrawing.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Changes in eating habits
- Nightmares
- Anger or aggression
- Loss of interest in friends, family, sports, or school
- Unusual knowledge of sexual language or behaviors
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
Physical Warning Signs
Physical signs can be indirect or direct. Children can show direct signs of bruising, scabs, redness, or bleeding on or around their mouth or genital areas. These are less common than indirect signs.
- Headaches
- Soiling accidents
- Stomach aches or chronic pain
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
It’s also important to remember that not all children who are being sexually abused will show these warning signs. Some children may only show one or two warning signs, while other children may not show any at all.
Finding Hope and Healing: Discovering Help at the Children’s Advocacy Center
If you suspect child abuse, you are obligated to report the abuse to the police or Texas Abuse Hotline. They then can take the appropriate action including referring the child to CACHSC. We can assist in the case by providing investigation coordination, conducting forensic interviews, and doing a medical evaluation. Our team also offers trauma-focused therapy, family advocacy, and victim support to the child and non-offending family members.
The CACHSC supports children and families every step of the way to find hope, healing, and justice.
Together WE CAN Stop The Cycle Of Abuse! Donate Now.
This success story of a teen girl is only one of the thousands of children we’ve been able to aid with our services. But the statistics indicate we still have a long way to go. The children of Hidalgo and Starr Counties need our assistance. You can join the fight to prevent child abuse.
Together WE CAN stop the cycle of abuse.
Be knowledgeable and aware of the signs of abuse.
Report suspected child abuse.
Donate to CACHSC.
Become a Vinos Sponsor.
Attend the Vinos Event.
Your contributions help build more success stories as our team at the Children’s Advocacy Center works tirelessly to provide hope for the children in our community.
