The City of Bristol, VA, received high praise for its ongoing support of the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) during a recent council meeting. The CAC highlighted its critical role in protecting children from abuse, noting that the city has been a partner since the center's inception 25 years ago.

In a powerful address, a CAC representative reflected on the city's past, revealing that Bristol once had a child abuse rate seven times higher than the state average. This alarming statistic positioned Bristol as the highest in the commonwealth for child abuse rates. However, thanks to collaborative efforts among city agencies, significant progress has been made in creating a safer environment for children.

The CAC has provided 867 individual services to child victims and their non-offending caregivers this year alone, underscoring the center's vital role in the community. The representative emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating that while improvements have been made, the safety of children remains a top priority.

The meeting served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the community and the essential partnerships needed to support vulnerable children. The CAC's work, alongside local law enforcement and social services, continues to be a cornerstone of Bristol's commitment to child welfare.