West Virginia Child Advocacy Network Releases 2025 Statistics, Shows 7.6% Increase in Cases

Newly released statistics show an alarming trend in suspected child abuse and neglect cases in West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network (WVCAN), 4,734 children were interviewed regarding allegations of abuse and neglect. That represents a 7.6% increase in these types of cases.

WVCAN is a nonprofit membership organization composed of 21 West Virginia Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). These are the agencies that are on the front line of investigating allegations of abuse and neglect.

“A child sits down with a trained interviewer and just has a conversation, and that forensic interviewer is highly trained, not only in child development, but also in forensic investigations, so they’re aware of what information CPS (Child Protective Services) will need to further their investigation,” WVCAN Executive Director Shiloh Woodard said to WV Public Broadcasting. “They’re aware of what information law enforcement will need, and they’re able to build rapport with the child and then transition into what the allegation is.”

A Deeper Dive

A deeper dive into the WVCAN statistics reveals how extensive these incidents have become. Consider the following findings:

• 4,603 forensic interviews were conducted
• 17% of the children served were referred to the CAC due to allegations of drug endangerment
• 46% of the children served were referred to the CAC due to allegations of sexual abuse
• 67% of the children served were under 12
• 96% of the alleged offenders were someone the child knew
• 1 in 3 children served had a reported or suspected disability
• 40% of children served were referred for therapy or counseling
• 833 cases had criminal charges filed
• 413 individuals were convicted of crimes against children

“In the past year, the number of children referred to West Virginia CACs due to suspected drug endangerment was four times the national average,” Woodard said. “We must do all that we can to ensure the stability and continuity of our 21 Child Advocacy Centers in the Mountain State so that critical services to child survivors of abuse and children and youth who have been exposed to the opioid epidemic can continue to be provided.”

What Is a Good Plan of Action for Parents?

Parents need to be proactive when it comes to protecting their children from this type of abuse. If you suspect someone in your family is the cause of the abuse, you can call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-352-6513. They will be able to provide you with the resources to help the child and open an investigation with Child Protective Services. Although you might feel hesitant to report someone in your extended family, how much worse would you feel if you did nothing and that child suffered further harm?

Parents also have to be diligent when placing their trust in organizations and institutions such as sports leagues, school districts, and even the church. How much do you know about these organizations? Do they take a proactive stance to prevent abuse?

The nightmare for any parent is to discover their child has been victimized by a person they once trusted. In those instances, you can find support from Hendrickson & Long, PLLC. We are dedicated Charleston sexual abuse lawyers who have helped many families hold institutions accountable. We understand the sensitive nature of these types of claims and will provide the right guidance and support to help your family navigate the pursuit of justice. If you want to learn more about your options, call to schedule a free consultation today. You don’t have to go through this alone.