A Safe Place to Be Heard — and to Heal

Davis House Child Advocacy Center

Three hundred and forty-six times last year, Davis House Child Advocacy Center listened, and in doing so helped a child begin to heal from the trauma of child abuse.

Three hundred and forty-six. These are our children, young girls and boys living across the county, in Brentwood and Bethesda, in Franklin and Fairview, in College Grove and Hillsboro and Nolensville, and they have endured child abuse. However, as sad and devastating as that experience can be, these 346 children are testaments to the power of listening.

At Davis House Child Advocacy Center, every child’s story is different — but each one reflects the courage it takes to speak the truth and begin the journey toward healing. Here is one of those stories, told by the individual forensic interviewer who listened to this girl.

“One afternoon, I interviewed a 15-year-old girl who had been groomed online by an adult she believed was her boyfriend. During her forensic interview, she bravely disclosed much of what had happened, but I could sense she was holding back. She still cared deeply for the man who had deceived her, struggling to reconcile what she felt with what she was learning about manipulation and abuse.

“When the interview ended, she stepped into our lobby and looked around at the toys and books meant for much younger children. She paused for a moment and asked softly, “Do little kids come here too?” When I told her yes — that children of all ages come to Davis House to share their stories — she grew quiet and said, ‘I didn’t know this happened to them too.’

“In the weeks that followed, this teen continued to come to Davis House for trauma-focused therapy. Her parents were often in touch with the detective on the case and reached out to our team to process the challenges they faced at home — confusion, guilt, frustration, and the difficulty of supporting their daughter as she grappled with conflicting emotions about her perpetrator. Together, the family worked closely with our advocates, therapists, and law enforcement partners, learning not only about sextortion and online grooming but also about the healing process and how to rebuild trust.

“This family stands out because of their resolve to move forward, to learn, and to heal together.”

Davis House Child Advocacy Center serves as a first responder in cases involving child abuse in Williamson County. By providing critical services such as forensic interviews, counseling, victim advocacy, abuse prevention education, and coordination of the multidisciplinary Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT), Davis House CAC helps children heal, thrive, and reclaim their futures.

While Davis House Child Advocacy Center is the only place in the county that conducts forensic interviews of these young girls and boys, the story of this girl and her family reminds us that the work of Davis House extends far beyond a single interview. It is about walking with families through every stage of recovery — from the first disclosure to understanding, to healing, and ultimately, to hope.

No other organization in Williamson County provides this comprehensive response – from forensic interviews to long-term family support. Your support helps brighten the future for the children of Williamson County.

To learn more about donating to or volunteering at Davis House Child Advocacy Center, visit us at davishousecac.org.