Children’s 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: 1) Medical evidentiary examinations and forensic interviews provided in a supportive environment by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners; 2) Case managed counseling and referrals; and 3) Outreach and training. This website only addresses outreach and training, not clinical matters.

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 physical and sexual abuse by:
      Increasing awareness
      Empowering individuals
      Encouraging reporting

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. Physical and sexual abuse 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.
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