A Safe Haven for Survivors in Staunton and Surrounding Areas

The Valley Children’s Advocacy Center (Valley CAC), based in Staunton, Virginia, serves child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse across Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, Lexington, Rockbridge, and Buena Vista. As the only accredited center of its kind in the region, Valley CAC provides trauma-informed, no-cost services to help young survivors heal and navigate complex legal and emotional systems.

Understanding the Need

In 2019, more than 243,000 child sexual abuse cases were investigated by advocacy centers across the U.S. Shockingly, 75% of victims were under the age of 13, and 98% knew their alleged abuser. These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for a safe, efficient response — one that Valley CAC is uniquely equipped to provide.

Services Offered by Valley CAC

Valley CAC offers a centralized, child-focused environment where children and their families can access coordinated services, reducing further trauma.

Core Services:

A Collaborative Approach

Valley CAC coordinates a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) that includes law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, social workers, and victim advocates. This team approach ensures:

  • Children only have to tell their story once
  • Investigations are thorough and trauma-informed
  • Families receive immediate emotional and legal support
  • Abusers are more likely to face justice

Accredited and Community-Driven

Valley CAC is fully accredited by the National Children’s Alliance and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local professionals. The organization is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with staff training focused on anti-bias and cultural sensitivity.

All funds raised stay within the local area, helping to ensure that every child and non-offending family member receives high-quality, compassionate care.

The CAC Model: A Proven Solution

Before CACs existed, child victims were often shuffled between police departments, hospitals, and social services, forced to repeatedly relive their trauma. The CAC model centralizes services, making the process more efficient and child-focused. Today, there are over 900 centers like Valley CAC across the U.S., and the model is being adopted worldwide.

Reporting Abuse

Valley CAC operates a 24/7 hotline where anyone can report suspected abuse. Callers remain confidential and are only asked to provide basic information about the child and the situation.

Child Protective Services: (540) 245-5800 ext. 6
In-State Hotline: (800) 552-7096
Hearing Impaired: (800) 828-1120

Ways to Give

For more information or to support Valley CAC’s life-changing work, visit their official website or contact their team directly.

APB McDonald’s and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charlottesville will be hosting their 2025 Annual Fall Rotary Golf Classic at Heritage Oaks Golf Course on Friday, September 19. The event will benefit The Rockingham County Rotary Club and the Waynesboro-East Augusta Rotary Club. For more information and to register check out the RMH Charlottesville website here.