UNION CITY – Under the direction of Executive Director Mallory Stevenson, The Advocacy Center has become a source of support and justice for child victims of abuse in Jay and Randolph Counties, Indiana and now Darke County, Ohio.
Located at 218 W. Pearl Street in Union City, Indiana, the center opened in November 2020 with the mission of providing critical support and coordinated services to young victims and their families, offering a neutral and supportive setting for them to begin the path toward healing.
Since its founding, the center has served over 600 victims, a number that underscores the significant demand for these services in the area. The center operates on the child advocacy center (CAC) model, an approach developed in the 1980s that uses a multidisciplinary team to ensure a comprehensive, streamlined response to child abuse cases. The team approach aims to reduce the stress and trauma often associated with navigating the legal system for victims and their caregivers, creating an environment where children feel safe and protected.
Director of Public Safety Mark Ater shared insights into the center’s purpose and community impact, stressing the importance of having a facility where child victims can find safety, understanding and expert guidance in a neutral space.
“The Advocacy Center has been an essential resource for our communities, not only in providing immediate support for victims but also in contributing to successful prosecutions in multiple cases,” Ater explained. “This center has been critical in coordinating efforts with law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals, and victim advocates. Together, we’re creating a pathway toward justice and healing for our children.”
Beyond intervention, the Advocacy Center also plays a pivotal role in prevention through its outreach programs. The center provides evidence-based, no-cost prevention education to students and adults throughout the area, helping to establish a shared understanding of child abuse prevention and equipping educators and community members with the tools needed to protect children. This program, Ater noted, has become instrumental in building a community-wide approach to child safety and prevention, contributing to statutory requirements in schools and reinforcing a protective environment for children.
Operating primarily through state and federal grants, the center also relies heavily on the generosity of individual and business donations to keep its services running. “I urge everyone to consider supporting the Advocacy Center,” Ater said. “Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in ensuring this vital resource can continue to serve victims of these heinous crimes. Your support helps provide healing for children and strengthens the entire community.”
The Advocacy Center assists all law enforcement in Jay and Randolph Counties in Indiana and all law enforcement agencies in Darke County, Ohio. While they may be located in Union City, they play a pivotal role for all agencies in each county including the Sheriff’s Offices and police departments such as Portland PD, Winchester PD, Greenville PD, Union City PD and many more.
For those interested in supporting the Advocacy Center’s mission, donations can be made directly to the center. Through continued community involvement and support, the center will continue to be a place of refuge, support, and hope for young victims and their families in Jay, Randolph and Darke counties.
