“Alabama’s network of children’s advocacy centers now includes 47 different locations that have conducted tens of thousands of counseling sessions each year. And thanks to their work, more abusers have been brought to justice.”
“I commend the team of the National Children’s Advocacy Center for their commitment to giving children a fighting chance — a fighting chance to overcome unthinkable hardships that most of us never had to realize.”
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today highlighted the important work and world-class counseling services led by the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) in Huntsville, Alabama. Senator Tuberville visited the NCAC while visiting north Alabama last week and received a briefing and tour of the campus from Executive Director Chris Newlin and members of his team. The NCAC is a global leader in services, investigations, and counseling for children who suffer physical and sexual abuse. The NCAC has established more than 1,000 children’s advocacy centers operating throughout the United States and in 41 countries around the world since its opening in 1985.
Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s speech can be found below, and his full remarks can be viewed here.
“The National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville is a global leader in services, investigations, and counseling for children who suffer physical and sexual abuse. The center’s work is important, and I’m proud to share that work today.”
“I think we can all agree that we want our children to have access to all the opportunities that this great country provides. Unfortunately, many children in Alabama and across the country are robbed of the opportunity to thrive and pursue their dreams because of abuse and neglect. During my visit, the center’s Executive Director Chris Newlin shared that one in ten American children today will be victims of abuse before the age of 18. This is horrific, it’s unacceptable, and it’s embarrassing to our country.”
“Studies show that there are several long-term effects of child abuse. These include delayed brain development, lower educational success, and limited career opportunities. Victims are also more likely to suffer from future abuse, drug usage, and medical complications. Additionally, they are less likely to own cars, buy homes, [and] engage in business, making them less likely to be able to support a family in the future.”
“Nearly 600,000 kids in the United States were abused in 2021. Let me repeat that: 600,000 kids in the greatest country on the face of the Earth were abused in 2021, with the most common form of abuse being neglect. Child abuse cases in Alabama have increased throughout the years, with more than 12,000 victims reported in 2018, costing the state of Alabama $3.7 billion dollars — now that’s up $1.5 billion from just three years earlier. The cost is outrageous…We cannot allow this to continue in the United States of America.”
“Fortunately, we have people in our state of Alabama who have made it their mission to help victims of child abuse. Founded in 1985, the National Children’s Advocacy Center — also called the NCAC — is stepping up to save lives and offer hope to thousands and thousands of young people. The NCAC in Huntsville has established more than 1,000 children’s advocacy centers operating in the United States and in 41 countries across the globe. Their work serves thousands and thousands of kids every year.”
“The center’s reach does not end in Alabama — it has expanded across the country, and across the world. In 2021, over 30,000 child abuse professionals from 50 states and 17 countries received NCAC training, and more than 400,000 children were served. Just in 2021. Alabama’s network of children’s advocacy centers now includes 47 different locations that have conducted tens of thousands of counseling sessions each year. And thanks to their work, more abusers have been brought to justice. Communities with Children’s Advocacy Centers have seen a 196% increase in felony prosecutions of child sexual abuse.”
“Children are our number one commodity in this country. They will become the next generation of educators, nurses, doctors, lawyers, engineers, even senators, and maybe even president. And if we’re going to have a strong future, we must make sure we protect and empower the next generation. I commend the team of the National Children’s Advocacy Center for their commitment to giving children a fighting chance — a fighting chance to overcome unthinkable hardships that most of us never had to realize. By stepping up to help those who have been left behind, the center gives kids the opportunity to dream and pursue better lives. I hope we all join this group in doing our part to rescue child abuse victims. I will continue to fight for kids in Alabama and all across our great country.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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