SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- More steps are being taken to help abused kids in East Tennessee. A new child advocacy center is in the works for Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties.
The center is needed because nothing like it currently exists in those counties.
More than 5,000 cases of sexual or physical child abuse were reported there last year.
A legislative mandate was fulfilled Thursday when law enforcement officers, the district attorney's office, and area judges signed an agreement recognizing the need for the center.
The center will be named "Safe Harbor." It will be used as a place where experts counsel and interview kids.
Some of the interviews will be usable in court so a child doesn't have to face their abuser from the witness stand.
"What it does, if you will, it will give one hub, one
central point for investigators to come together to begin the investigative
With Thursday's signatures, board members can start the
The group is still looking for a location to place the center and volunteers are being recruited.
If you are interested in helping, you can call Safe Harbor at (865) 453-2638.
