District Attorney
Child Abuse Sexual Assault Unit (C.A.S.A.)

The District Attorney Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (C.A.S.A.) unit is a specialized team of professionals who work to support children and adults in the court system who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned, and victims of sexual assault.

The primary role of the C.A.S.A. unit is to work with law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations of child abuse and sexual assault, and to prosecute those responsible for these crimes. This involves conducting interviews with victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, and provide recommendations to the court in the prosecution of the perpetrators.

In addition to advocacy, the C.A.S.A. unit provides a range of support services to child or adult victims and their family, such as counseling, education, and access to community resources. The goal is to help ensure that the victim receives the care and support they need to thrive, both during and after their time in the court system.

The C.A.S.A. unit plays a critical role in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from harm, and in holding those who commit these heinous crimes accountable for their actions.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is any form of maltreatment or neglect of a child, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or neglect. It can occur in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and institutions. Child abuse can be perpetrated by parents, caregivers, or other adults who have authority or control over the child.

Child abuse is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of children around the world. It can have serious physical and emotional consequences for victims, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term mental health issues.

The San Joaquin County Family Justice Center, is a resource for victims of Child Abuse. The FJC provides a safe and welcoming space where victims can access a range of services which may include counseling, and support services. If you or someone you know is a victim of Child Abuse, please reach out to the FJC for help.

Are you ACEs Aware?

ACEs stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. ACEs are traumatic events that can have a lasting impact on an individual's physical and emotional health. Research has shown that individuals who have experienced ACEs are at an increased risk for a wide range of physical and mental health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, substance abuse, and depression. ACEs can also have long-term effects on brain development, leading to difficulties with learning, memory, and decision-making. As your ACE score increases, so does the risk of disease, social, and emotional problems. With an ACE score of 4 or more, things start getting serious. It is important to note that these effects are not necessarily inevitable, and individuals who have experienced ACEs can and do go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives. However, it is important for individuals who have experienced ACEs to seek support and treatment to address the impact of these experiences on their physical and emotional health.

The San Joaquin County Family Justice Center is pleased to offer free mental health services to qualifying community members in need, thanks to a grant from the Kaiser East Bay Foundation. These services include support for individuals who have experienced trauma, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (209) 468-2600.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. It can include a wide range of behaviors, from unwanted touching or kissing to rape or other forms of sexual violence. Sexual assault can be physical, verbal, or visual, and it can occur between strangers, acquaintances, or intimate partners.

Sexual assault can have serious physical and emotional consequences for victims, including physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a traumatic and violating experience that can have long-lasting effects on a person's well-being.

Preventing sexual assault involves addressing the root causes and promoting healthy, respectful relationships. This can be achieved through education, advocacy, and supporting victims and survivors. It is also important for individuals to understand and respect the importance of consent in all types of sexual activity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. This includes rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, and other forms of sexual violence.

It is important to note that these statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of the problem, as sexual assault is often underreported. Victims may be afraid to come forward or may not know how to get help.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you, including hotlines, shelters, and support groups. It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to consider reporting the assault to the authorities. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 for help.

The San Joaquin County Family Justice Center, is a resource for victims of Sexual Assault, regardless of if you have made a crime report. The FJC provides a safe and welcoming space where victims can access a range of services which may include counseling, and support services. If you or someone you know is a victim of Sexual Assault, please reach out to the FJC for help.

If you would like more information, call
Victim-Witness Services 
(209) 468-2500 

Family Justice Center
(209) 468-2600