NEWPORT NEWS, VA – As communities across the nation observe Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn is reaffirming his office’s deep and ongoing commitment to protecting all children—especially those whose voices are often the hardest to hear.
Mr. Gwynn has proudly worn a blue ribbon in recognition of individuals and families living with autism. But as he shared in a public statement, awareness must be followed by action. “In our office, this commitment goes far beyond symbolism—it shapes how we do our work every day.”
April is also Child Abuse Awareness month, and Mr. Gwynn recognizes that children and adolescents with disabilities experience physical and sexual violence at considerably higher rates than those without a disability. One study estimated that one in three children with disabilities has been abused or neglected.
Children with autism and other developmental disabilities are among the most vulnerable members of our community. When a child with a disability is hurt, seeking justice can be an overwhelming journey—for them and for their families. Under Mr. Gwynn’s leadership, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office takes a trauma-informed, child-centered approach to every case involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any child, including those living with a disability.
Each year, the office works closely with families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Cases sometimes involve children on the autism spectrum who may struggle with communication, sensory sensitivities, or understanding the legal process. Mr. Gwynn’s team includes trauma-informed attorneys and victim advocates, as well as close relationships with many community partner organizations who walk beside these children with compassion, patience, and deep expertise.
Through our strong partnership with the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) Child Advocacy Center, children who are victims of abuse and their families can receive medical services and mental health services they need with no out-of-pocket cost. This wraparound support helps survivors begin healing while the legal process unfolds.
“These cases require more than expert legal skill,” said Gwynn. “They require heart. They require listening to children who may not use words, but whose stories still deserve to be heard—and believed.”
The office’s commitment to justice is not limited to the courtroom. Mr. Gwynn applauded the Newport News Police Department’s Project Guardian initiative, which helps officers respond with understanding during encounters with individuals on the autism spectrum. He also praised the Autism Society Tidewater Virginia for its advocacy and work building inclusive communities.
Under the direction of Howard Gwynn, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has successfully secured convictions in complex cases of child abuse, including cases where the abused child has special needs. These cases require deep coordination with medical professionals, psychologists, expert witnesses, and trained child advocates to help children safely tell their stories—and begin the healing process.
Getting justice for these children shows what’s possible when trauma-informed prosecution and community support work hand-in-hand.
“Justice for a child doesn’t always look like it does on TV,” said Gwynn. “It might look like a brave moment of truth, supported by people who understand. That’s the kind of justice we fight for.”