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The CAC of Suffolk County supports the health and wellbeing of the children and families of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Each month we'll share highlights and updates to help you better understand how you are part of the healing and justice we see every day. 

Celebration of Courage

On April 7th, over 100 survivors, legislators, law enforcement, advocates and community members gathered in the Senate Reading Room of the Massachusetts State House to celebrate the strength and courage of survivors of child sexual abuse.

Co-hosted with our partners at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, the event was a powerful tribute to the resilience of survivors, the impact of disclosure, and the commitment and compassion of the community of professionals working towards ending child sexual abuse.

Attendees heard from Senator William Brownsberger, Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, CAC Executive Director Annie Marcklinger and DA Director of Youth Safety, Jackie Lamont.

Survivor advocates Dacia and Patrick shared powerful remarks and left a lasting impression on the room:

"What happened to me isn’t just my own experience - it is part of a much larger reality that too many people go through, often in silence. Once I realized that, it changed everything."

- Pat

"I’m so proud of the 13-year-old me who [came forward], and the 31 year old me who stands here today." - Dacia

WCVB5 Investigative Reporter Karen Anderson was there to capture the poinancy of the morning and raise awareness about the need for the critical services provided by CACs across the Commonwealth and important legislation currently in front of MA legislators.

Advocate for H. 4538 & S. 1163

Currently, according to Massachusetts State Law, a child as young as 14 (and older) can consent to a range of sexual acts with an adult in a position of trust such as a teacher, coach, faith leader, camp counselor, mentor or caregiver.

What may appear outwardly as “consent” is frequently shaped by pressure, fear of consequences, desire for approval, or confusion about boundaries. Knowing that sexual abuse often involves grooming, manipulation, isolation, and an imbalance of power, we need your help to advocate for two bills aiming to protect children from this type of harm.

H.4538 (An Act relative to preventing educator sexual misconduct and abuse of children and youth) and S.1163 (An Act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust) have both been reported favorably to Ways and Means, and your elected officials need to know their constituents want these bills passed, this loophole closed, and individuals committing these crimes held accountable.

We are grateful to The Boston Globe’s Yvonne Abraham and WCVB’s Karen Anderson for sharing the importance of these bills and closing this loophole with the public.

Please reach out to your elected officials today and ask that they let House & Senate Leadership know they will vote “YES” on Bills H.4538 and S.1163 if brought to the floor for a vote.

You can find template language for your messages here.

Recent Highlight

On April 20th, the 10 members of Team Suffolk CAC ran in the 130th Boston Marathon and raised over $105K and awareness to support the CAC's free programs for children and families in Suffolk County.

These runners not only completed the hardest marathon in the U.S., they also set a new marathon fundraising record for the CAC!

On top of that, four of them earned their 6-Star Medal from Abbott World Marathon Majors having successfully completed all six of the world's most renowned marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

We are so grateful to each and every one of them for their dedication and for letting us be part of their personal marathon journey.

Feeling inspired? Email Jacey to stay informed about our 2027 Boston Marathon Team!

Staff Spotlight

Cyla Cafferata is a Clinical Case Manager and joined the CAC in December 2025. In her role, she provides support and referrals to children and families who have experienced abuse. Prior joining the CAC, Cyla worked as a Service Coordinator at LI Against Domestic Violence on Long Island, New York, where she connected survivors to resources such as safe housing, court/precinct advocacy, and counseling services.

Her experience with individuals impacted by domestic violence has helped her develop a strong trauma-informed approach to working with survivors and promoting healing.

Cyla received a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and is committed to applying her knowledge of the intersection of psychology and the legal system to her daily practice.