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Center for Assault Treatment Services program at
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
About Our Program
Founded in 1997, in response to a community need, Northridge Hospital Medical
Center’s CATS program is the only 24 hour, 7 day-a-week program for victims
of sexual abuse and assault of all ages in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita
Valleys of Los Angeles County, California. Its founder, Dr. Edward Lowder,
is the program’s Medical Director.
CATS has three service components:
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1)
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Medical evidentiary examinations and forensic interviews provided in a
supportive environment by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiners;
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2)
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Case managed counseling and referrals; and
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3)
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Outreach and training. This website only addresses outreach and training,
not clinical matters.
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CATS works with law enforcement, child protective services, and the District
Attorney’s office to assist with the collection of evidence, proper
reporting of abuse and follow-up investigation. CATS also collaborates with
the local rape crisis center to provide advocates and post abuse treatment
for victims; and with local community-based organizations to provide training
and education for mandated child abuse reporters and the general
public.
Prevention is the Key
CATS has provided prevention education to many thousands of individuals
including: children, parents, child care providers, law enforcement,
teachers, healthcare workers, and other community organizations. Prevention
is the key to decreasing the incidence of child abuse in our community.
CATS is dedicated to preventing sexual abuse and assault by:
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Increasing awareness
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Empowering individuals
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Encouraging reporting
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Together We Can Stop Child Abuse
Sexual and physical abuse robs so many of our children of their childhood, their
sense of security and well being, and their future. sexual abuse and assault affects
an alarming number of children and adults from all ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic
backgrounds. With the help of individual like you, CATS can expand its outreach in the
community.
Send a donation
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