Loudoun Child Advocacy Center
Loudoun Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a program of LAWS, is here to serve and support the survivors of child abuse in our community.
The child is our first priority.
What Is a Child Advocacy Center?
If a child discloses abuse to you, or if you suspect or have reason to believe a child is being abused or victimized, contact the Department of Family Services’ Child Protective Services Unit Child Abuse Hotline:
(703)771-KIDS (5437)
CAC Advocate Line: 571-291-2280
CAC Main Office: 703-779-5643
Lisa Donovan
Loudoun CAC Director & Forensic Interviewer
Accredited through the National Children’s Alliance
Member of Children’s Advocacy Center of Virginia
Our Services
Forensic Interviews
Loudoun CAC provides forensic interview services to children who may have experienced or witnessed violence or another criminal act. The forensic interviewer is specially trained to understand child development and ask neutral questions that let the child share their experience and observations in their own words. MDT members who need the information for investigation or possible prosecution remotely observe the interview, and it is also recorded. The goal is to have the child share their information a single time, in a trauma-informed, child-centered space, with investigating agencies such as law enforcement and child protective services all receiving the information at the same time and coordinating next steps.
Forensic Interview FAQ
Be honest with your child about what to expect so that they can feel as comfortable as possible. Let them know they are going to meet with someone whose job it is talk with them about what they have experienced. You can let your child know it will be a safe space where it is OK to talk freely. Please make sure you do nottell your child what to say or what not to say. Click here to learn more about tips for before your visit.
The forensic interviewer speaks to your child alone. Children may have a hard time talking about their experiences of abuse if their parent or caregiver is present and it may influence their ability to share details that may be upsetting. The team observing the interview will be focused on your child to assess their statement and investigate the allegation. You will not be permitted to observe the interview, but the team members will inform you about what the next steps are following the interview.
Loudoun CAC’s family advocate will meet with you to discuss your child and family’s needs and provide support. They can answer questions you may have, provide a space to discuss your concerns, and provide referrals to additional resources such as therapy and other supportive services.
The length of the interview depends on your child, what they have to share, and how much they want to talk during the interview. Typically interviews last between 30-60 minutes but can last longer. Your child is free to take a break if needed and will not be forced to continue the interview if they do not wish to.
The interviews are recorded to preserve what your child has shared so they don’t have to repeat themselves multiple times. Your child will be made aware of the camera during the forensic interview. The recording remains confidential and is only shared with the professionals that need to watch the interview to do their job in keeping your child safe.
Family Advocacy
Mental Health Services
The Loudoun CAC offers trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy services to children who have experienced abuse. Children referred to therapy services at the CAC will receive treatment – at no cost – that is developmentally appropriate and proven to be effective in coping with trauma.
About Loudoun CAC
Loudoun CAC’s Goals
- Provide a child-centered, neutral and supportive location for child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and maltreatment to receive the necessary services during an investigation by law enforcement and child protective services.
- Provide the child with a safe space to talk about their experience with a trained forensic interviewer to reduce the number of times the child is interviewed and minimize trauma.
- Provide the child and their non-offending family members advocacy services to promote healing by offering support, information, and referrals.
- Support the continued development and implementation of a child-centered approach when investigating cases of child abuse and neglect.
- Coordinate the collaboration between public and private Loudoun County agencies and organizations dedicated to child victims of abuse and/or neglect.
- Provide education and awareness in the community to prevent child abuse in Loudoun County.
Our Community Partners
This team is composed of representatives of the following agencies and disciplines:
- INOVA Fairfax Hospital/FACT Department
- Leesburg Police Department
- LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services/Loudoun CAC
- Loudoun County Attorney´s Office
- Loudoun County Commonwealth´s Attorney´s Office
- Loudoun County Department of Family Services
- Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services
- Loudoun County Juvenile Court Services Unit
- Loudoun County Sheriff´s Office
- Loudoun County Victim Witness Program
Why it Matters
The prevalence of child abuse in America is staggering. According to RAINN, every 9 minutes a child is a victim of a sexual assault. However, only about 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. The negative effects of child abuse can include failure in school, depression or other mood disorders, substance abuse, revictimization or behaviors that lead to involvement in the justice system later in life.
Our focus is on the child’s physical and emotional well-being from the very start. The CAC model ensures a coordinated investigation and service response, lifting the burden from the families to seek the services themselves. Families feel more supported and are provided with consistent, evidence-based interventions. This approach results in better outcomes for child abuse investigations and more perpetrators of abuse held accountable.
Coming to our Center?
The Loudoun CAC is located within the Inova Cornwall Medical Campus at:
224A Cornwall Street NW
Leesburg, VA 20176
CAC Advocate Line: 571-291-2280
CAC Main Office: 703-779-5643
* en Ingles y Español
CAC History
The history of Children’s Advocacy Centers goes back to the 1980’s, after former congressman Robert “Bud” Cramer identified the need for better collaboration between social services and criminal justice services in child abuse cases. Prior to CACs, a child was subjected to multiple interviews by different investigating professionals, and poor inter-agency communication was common. This resulted in more emotional distress for the child victim and system inefficiencies. Currently, there are over 950 Child Advocacy Center’s across the United States with 19 in Virginia. The Loudoun CAC opened its doors in 2008 and is Loudoun County’s only child advocacy center.
