Coastal Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC) held its 3rd annual Stand Up. Speak Out. event this past Friday, October 3. Over 150 attendees participated in this annual child abuse prevention conference, which featured expert speakers and open discussions. CCAC also announced the recipients of two annual awards during this year’s conference

CCAC presented its 2025 Community Partner Award to Mary’s Place of the Coastal Empire and its Executive Director, Doris Williams. This award recognizes Mary’s Place’s steadfast commitment to supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse in the greater Savannah area, as well as the organization’s dedication to fostering effective partnerships with other local agencies that support survivors.

CCAC Executive Director Rose Grant-Robinson presented the 2025 Director’s Award to Ana G. Hancock, CCAC Bilingual Victim Advocate. In her role, Hancock provides support, community resources and crisis intervention services to Spanish-speaking families living in Chatham County. She also facilitates communication and information sharing with CCAC’s Multi-Disciplinary Team, which includes law enforcement, the Department of Family and Children Services, the District Attorney’s Office and the Children’s Hospital of Savannah at Memorial Health.

Sponsored by The Eichholz Law Firm, this year’s Stand Up. Speak Out. Conference brought together members of the local community, including educators, social workers, health care providers, law enforcement and others, for presentations from renowned researchers and advocates. The event encourages critical conversations and helps attendees increase their understanding of the signs of child abuse, how it impacts children and families and how they can take a stand to end abuse in our community.