CCAC Establishes 1-800 Info Line to Answer Questions on Sexual Abuse Funded by Grant from Chicago Co
February 21, 2007Chicago...The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC) recently launched Project Not My Child, a campaign designed to raise awareness of sexual abuse in communities throughout Chicago. A toll-free phone line, 1-877-703-HOPE, was set up to answer questions about child sexual abuse.
“Each year approximately 3,000 cases of sexual abuse against children are investigated and treated at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center,” said CCAC Executive Director Erin Sorenson. “Part of our mission is to let people know that children depend on all of us for protection. Sexual abuse is a community problem. The info line gives people a place to go and ask questions that they might not ordinarily ask.”
The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center houses all of the agencies and child care professionals that work with sexually abused children under one roof. Partner agencies include the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Cook County State’s Attorneys Office, The Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Bureau of Health Services. Everyone is housed in one building working towards the common goal of providing hope and healing for sexually abused children.
Throughout the months of February, March and April, the CCAC will be doing outreach into the community via phone calls to professionals and community leaders and distribution of literature promoting the 1-800 number. The Center is also looking for volunteer ambassadors to volunteer to do further outreach t into their community.
To volunteer or for more information, call 1-877-703-HOPE or visit www.chicagocac.org.
