October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month - a time to shine a light on the silent battles too many face. While abuse often remains hidden behind closed doors, its impact reverberates throughout families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. For many survivors, especially men, speaking out can feel nearly impossible. Yet awareness reminds us that no one should suffer in silence, and that healing begins when we give survivors a voice. Domestic violence and trauma leave deep scars, but organizations like the Children & Family Advocacy Center (CFAC) in Little Flock work every day to bring restoration, comfort, and resilience to those who need it most.

For more than 36 years, CFAC has been serving the Benton County community from its nearly 70-acre campus. The nonprofit provides trauma-informed care to children who have experienced maltreatment and to women—often with their children—who are healing from crisis or abuse. What makes CFAC unique is its comprehensive, individualized approach: no two journeys of recovery look the same, and the Center ensures every client receives the specific support they need.

CFAC offers a full range of services, including advocacy, counseling, and medical examinations. Their child maltreatment team includes forensic interviewers trained in the nationally recognized ChildFirst® Forensic Interview Protocol, which ensures children are heard in a way that protects their best interest and minimizes re-traumatization.

Beyond crisis intervention, CFAC provides a restorative residential program for women and families, where clients have access to safe housing and healing support. Both the child services and residential programming are strengthened by the Center’s Enrichment Program, which equips clients with life skills such as cooking, self-defense, and resume building—empowering them not just to survive trauma, but to step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

For staff members like Dominique Mastrototoro, Marketing Specialist, this work is deeply personal. “I had known for a long time I wanted to use my marketing skill in the non-profit sector, and had always believed in advocating for children,” Dominique shares. “Finding a job at CFAC was the perfect way to use my communication powers for good.”

Her role allows her to tell the CFAC story—to lift up the dedication of staff, the impact of donors and volunteers, and the courage of clients. “Even though confidentiality means we can’t always show the full scope of what we do, knowing that even one life has been impacted because we educated someone on our mission is beyond rewarding.”

CFAC thrives because of the support of its community. Volunteers are always needed, from clerical assistance to group projects. Signature events throughout the year also bring people together in support of the mission: the Family Fun Festival and Flashback 5K in April, the Restoring Lives: Evening of Impact in June, and In It to End It in October. Seasonal initiatives like sponsoring Christmas for families or displaying pinwheels during Child Abuse Awareness Month in April offer meaningful ways for the community to engage.

For those wanting to make an even deeper commitment, CFAC offers its Giving Society, where donors have the unique opportunity to go beyond giving—helping decide on projects, fund allocation, and even joining in on special volunteer opportunities.

Despite the vital services they provide, CFAC is facing an uncertain future. In the coming months, the Center will experience over $600,000 in cuts from federal funding and state reallocation. These dollars are crucial to serving the growing need for trauma-informed care in Benton County. Yet, the staff remains hopeful. With the continued help of donors, sponsors, and volunteers, CFAC is determined to overcome this challenge and continue building resilient lives.

Domestic violence impacts women, children, and men—yet men in particular often face stigma when seeking help. By talking openly about domestic violence during this month of awareness, CFAC hopes to remind every survivor that they are not alone, and that help is available.

As Dominique puts it, “Moments like this—when we can share our mission and invite others to join us—are what help us continue to grow stronger as a community.”

For CFAC, every client served, every story shared, and every life rebuilt is proof that healing is possible. And that is truly making a difference.

To learn more, volunteer, or give, visit www.cfacbentonco.com.