About CJAC
CJAC's mission is to serve children and families affected by child abuse and to provide a collaborative and compassionate community response.
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If you think your child has been abused you may be confused about what to do next. You may have been instructed by law enforcement, Child Protective Services, or other trained professionals not to discuss the abuse with your child. Their concern is that the child’s statement may become confused being questioned repeatedly about a highly sensitive incident. This does not mean you cannot talk to your child about how they are feeling if they have concerns, problems, or questions. Answer these questions and concerns openly and honestly. The Family Advocate can help support you during this difficult time.
Our service area (Cowlitz & Wahkiakum counties) includes primarily rural communities that lie along the I-5 corridor. A recent Report to Congress from the US Department of Health & Human Services stated that the risk for sexual abuse is tripled for children whose parents are not in the labor force, children in low socioeconomic status households are three times as likely to be identified as a victim of child abuse, and children who live in rural areas are approximately two times more likely to be identified as victims of child sexual abuse.
Cowlitz County’s rate of child abuse significantly exceeds the Washington state average. A recent report from the Washington Department of Health found that the rate of accepted child abuse referrals in Cowlitz County is 28% higher than the Washington state average. The abuse rate for Cowlitz County nearly doubles that of neighboring Clark County. There are a number of demographics that place our community at increased risk of child abuse and neglect. The poverty rate for Cowlitz County exceeds the state average. Cowlitz County has a significantly greater percentage of individuals with disabilities than the state average, and individuals with disabilities are more likely to be the victim of abuse.
The majority of children we serve (78%) are victims of sexual abuse. We also serve victims of sex trafficking and other forms of commercial exploitation, victims of severe physical abuse, and children who witness domestic violence, homicides, or sexual assaults. The average age of the children we served last year was 10 years old.
Our success stories
Youth Statistics
You probably feel that things are out of control and do not know what to expect. You are NOT alone.
600 k
Children are abused yearly. Child abuse is a horrific experience with potentially lasting effects. It’s also, unfortunately, a common experience in America.
1820
In 2021, an estimated 1,820 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States.
15%
Youth and young adults ages 10–24 years account for 15% of all suicides.
69 %
LGBTQ youth reported feeling persistently sad and hopeless.
