MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – Forensic interviews conducted at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) are a vital first step in both protecting children and building criminal cases against abusers, according to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office detectives.

Detective Sgt. DJ Jackson emphasized the importance of the specialized training CAC forensic interviewers receive. These professionals are often the first to hear a child’s account of abuse in a safe and supportive environment — something law enforcement says is critical for both the child’s recovery and the success of the investigation.

“The child tells the story one-on-one, instead of to a group of many, including their abuser,” said Jackson.

The CAC, a nonprofit organization founded in 2000, has worked closely with law enforcement, the Department of Children’s Services, the courts, and medical experts for the past 25 years. Their partnership is formalized through the state-mandated Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT), which exists in every Tennessee county.

Each interview is recorded and often becomes key evidence in prosecuting offenders. Detectives observe from a separate room, taking note of verbal and non-verbal cues to build a comprehensive understanding of the child’s experience.

“The CAC forensic interviewers are so well-versed and have so much experience,” said Sheriff’s Detective Andrea Butler. “They can testify in court. They help build the case that adds credibility to the victim.”

Butler added that the CAC’s efforts go beyond interviews. Family service coordinators talk with non-offending family members during the interview process, helping them understand what comes next. The center offers crisis counseling, case management, and community referrals as families navigate the aftermath of trauma.

The CAC reports that it has investigated more than 21,000 child abuse cases and served more than 50,000 people in its 25 years, including over 16,500 participants in its Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training. In the 2023–24 fiscal year alone, the organization served 2,926 individuals, including 1,099 children.

A bilingual forensic interviewer is also on staff, ensuring language does not become a barrier to justice and healing.

Detective Jackson summed up the shared mission: “The team all has the same goal of protecting children.”

To learn more about the Child Advocacy Center’s services and prevention efforts, visit www.cacrutherford.org.