About Us
Abuse. The word alone is hard to hear. And when a child has been abused, it is even harder to know where to turn for help, guidance, and understanding.
Before the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center existed, the system was doing more to harm, not help, child abuse victims. A child would have to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again: to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others.
What We Do
McMahon Ryan’s streamlined approach partners law enforcement, children and family services, social workers, medical professionals, victim advocates, prosecutors, therapists and volunteers under one roof – and preserves the best evidence for investigators in cases of child abuse or human trafficking.
Whenever possible, children tell their story only once to a highly-trained forensic interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not re-traumatize the child. The child connects to a victim advocate, gets one medical exam, and meets with a therapist. Team members work together to provide the child and family the support services they need – all the way through trial and beyond.
The statistics are astounding and frightening: about 1 in 10 children is sexually abused; every eight minutes a child is sexually abused; and nearly five children die every day from neglect and abuse. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect occur every day in our community as well. But fortunately McMahon Ryan is here to help, currently seeing more than 1,000 victims each year. We’re also here to educate the public to prevent abuse.
McMahon Ryan programming and events have expanded over the years, raising both funds and awareness. Each spring brings the Go Blue 4 Kids child abuse prevention campaign and the MRCAC hosts the Stand Against Child Abuse Conference each fall. Other signature events include 100 Holes 4 Kids and Karts 4 Kids.
Outreach is a core part of our mission to end child abuse in our community through prevention, intervention, and education. Staff continuously makes educational presentations to the community and in schools throughout the year.
It all supports our vision to foster a community where all children are free from abuse and exploitation and the community understands the impact of abuse and actively protects our children.