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The Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center interviewed a record 297 child victims of physical or sexual abuse as of Dec. 31, 2008. According to Deborah Keith, Executive Director, that is 76 more than in 2007. The 2008 numbers include providing services to 1,300 secondary victims, 16,000 units of service such as therapy to child victims and their non-abusing family members, and conducted 26 sexual abuse medical exams, as requested by investigating authorities.

“Unfortunately, these record numbers are exacerbated by the poor economy,” Keith explained. “When times are tough with job losses, high prices and a lot of uncertainty, it is often the children that bear the brunt of adult’s frustrations. In times like these, I am grateful for the high level of professionalism and care that my staff provides. I also appreciate support by our many partners, including donors, sponsors and members of our multidisciplinary team.”

Team members include Child Protective Services staff, law enforcement officials, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and medical professionals, county and district attorneys, and a variety of victim services coordinators. The multidisciplinary team meets on a regular basis, working together to investigate child maltreatment.

Recently, the Center’s service area officially expanded to include Brown Country.

“We have been providing services to child victims from Brownwood and the surrounding area on an as-needed basis. After helping more than 60 child victims this year, the Board voted to change our bylaws and make Brown County part of our service area,” Keith explained. “We will seek assistance from Brown County donors and volunteers to help support this expanded mission.”

In addition to providing services to eight Hill Country counties, the Center’s mission includes promoting awareness of abuse issues. HCCAC staff and a variety of volunteers help with programs such as Yello Dyno, teaching children how to deal with “tricky people.” HCCAC presents Yello Dyno programs in the Burnet, Marble Falls and Llano school districts. In 2008 volunteers donated 2,128 hours of service, assisting with Yello Dyno as well as administrative needs and fund-raising events.

The next HCCAC fundraiser will be the 10th Annual Pedal Power Wildflower Bike Ride on Saturday, April 4 at LBJ State Park near Stonewall. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. For more information call Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center at 512-756-2607 or send an email to hccac@tstar.net.

HCCAC is a non-profit organization that provides services at no cost to physically and sexually abused children and their non-offending family members. The Center also offers training to professionals and volunteers, and promotes public awareness of abuse issues. HCCAC provides services in an eight county area, including Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills, and San Saba counties. For more information check the website at www.hccac.org.