Also highlighted upcoming community activities aimed at promoting awareness, including the annual Glow Run and initiatives encouraging residents and businesses to “Light the Town Blue” in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Organizers expressed appreciation to the speakers, community partners, and attendees who continue working to ensure that every child grows up in a sVictoria community leaders, child advocates, and professionals gathered Thursday March 5, 2026 for the 2nd Annual Hope for Children: A Day of Action Against Child Abuse, hosted by the Hope of South Texas Children’s Advocacy Center. The conference brought together experts from across Texas to discuss prevention strategies, emerging threats to children, and collaborative efforts to protect young victims.
The daylong conference focused on education, awareness, and strengthening the community’s response to child abuse. Sessions addressed topics ranging from online exploitation and trauma recovery to the legal process of prosecuting offenders.
The event began with the presentation of colors and opening remarks before the first keynote presentation by pediatrician and nationally recognized child safety advocate Dr. Free N. Hess. Dr. Hess spoke on “From Grooming to Generative: The Expanding Playbook of Child Predators,” highlighting the evolving tactics used by offenders both in person and online and emphasizing the importance of educating families and professionals about digital safety. ment.
Later in the morning, Mercedes Bristol, founder and executive director of Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, shared her personal journey and advocacy work supporting kinship caregivers across the state. Bristol discussed the challenges many grandparents face when raising grandchildren and the growing need for resources and policy support for these families.
The afternoon sessions continued with Katherine Barner, a licensed psychotherapist and trauma specialist, who addressed barriers survivors face when seeking recovery services. Her presentation explored trauma-informed approaches to helping individuals heal from abuse and loss.
Victoria Police Department Detective Aaron Smalley, a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner and member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, spoke about online dangers facing youth. His presentation focused on cybercrime, sextortion schemes, and practical steps families and professionals can take to protect children in the digital age.
The conference concluded with Victoria County Criminal District Attorney Constance Filley-Johnson, who discussed the prosecution of child predators and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, and child advocacy professionals.
Organizers said the event served as both a training opportunity and a call to action for the community. The conference was part of broader efforts throughout the year to raise awareness about child abuse and support victims through prevention, education, and coordinated community response.
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