The Children’s Advocacy Center for the 31st Judicial District has received a grant for $19,976 from The Healing Trust.
According to CAC director Martha Phillips, the grant will be used to expand the trauma-focused counseling for victims of severe child abuse and/or neglect.
“Children who have been abused often experience feelings of guilt and shame that are intensified by the real or perceived judgments of others and the general stigma surrounding child abuse. Silence within families and/or communities serves to further isolate these victims and their caregivers,” said Phillips. “This silence makes it difficult for victimized families to express their emotions, process the impact of abuse or obtain the necessary support which allows them to move forward.”
The long-term consequences of abuse and neglect can be devastating to both the child and society. A child who is severely mistreated may become depressed or develop suicidal, withdrawn or violent behavior. As a child of abuse or neglect gets older, they may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away, refuse discipline, abuse others, or engage in sexual risk-taking.
Approximately 45 percent of pregnant teens report a history of child abuse. As adults, they may develop health issues, marital difficulties, depression, violent or suicidal behavior.
The Healing Trust awarded funds totaling over $1 million in its most recent grant cycle. 
“We are deeply grateful for the life-changing work done by these 30 grantee partners,” said Kristen Keely-Dinger, The Healing Trust president and CEO. “Their efforts to improve the health of our community is inspiring, and we look forward to working in partnership with them.”
Recipients of the contributions include nonprofit organizations from 40 counties in Middle Tennessee that focus on advocacy, physical health, mental health, recovery from alcohol and drug abuse or healing from abuse, neglect, and violence. This year’s grants bring the collective grant making of The Healing Trust to over $77 million since 2002.
If you know or suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call 1-877-237-0004 to report your suspicion. Child abuse reports may be anonymous.
To learn more about Children’s Advocacy Center and its services visit www.childadvocacycenter31.org or call 931-507-2386.