It was the sort of incident that happens at facilities that care for people with dementia . At a residence for older adults in San Francisco last summer, Carol King momentarily left a common sitting area. When Ms. King returned, she found that another resident had taken her chair, a nurse who witnessed the episode later reported. She grabbed the usurper’s wrist. Though staff members intervened promptly and nobody appeared injured, the other resident (who also had dementia) called 911 to say...

Nearly 40,000 Minnesota children were suspected of being abused or neglected in 2016, 25 percent more than 2015, state officials said Tuesday in a worrisome report that also noted a huge jump in maltreatment investigations. The data posted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services didn't explain the increases in detail but said the spike likely came from "increased awareness about child protection issues, changes in how reports are reviewed and a growing opioid crisis." Children in...

What if I told you that I was a victim of child sex abuse? As a survivor of child sexual abuse , I have a clear understanding of the importance of addressing stigma and shame as it pertains to sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape. Victims, especially young children, often do not disclose sexual abuse. Those who are witnesses of child sexual abuse, or who are trusted by survivors enough that they confide in them, are often ill-equipped to handle the responsibility. And, many times, parents...

Great Things Are Happening Here At EmpowerSurvivors! EmpowerSurvivors wants to give a very LARGE shout out and warm welcome to our newest EmpowerSurvivors certified peer support specialist and facilitator Rachel Block! Rachel participated in our weekly meetings and has shown us what it means to go from victim to survivor, to thriver! Rachel will be heading up a new EmpowerSurvivors peer support group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse beginning July 1, 2019 in Eagan, Minnesota .

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a national month dedicated to recognizing the ways that people can get involved in the healthy development of children. Prevent Child Abuse America and Minnesota Communities Caring for Children are spreading the message that everyone plays a role in helping great childhoods happen. Get involved with child abuse prevention by taking part in activities like mentoring children and parents, advocating for family-friendly policies, and donating time and...

February is National Parent Leadership Month! Each year, we recognize parents, caretakers, and professionals across Minnesota for building on the strengths of families. The voices of parents help shape the lives of communities, and can direct programs and policies that impact them, so this is our way of honoring these voices. Ways to Get Involved! * Become a co-host of the event; no financial contribution necessary * Attend the Parent Leadership Month event on February 22nd * Nominate a...

Dear Sugars, I made a mistake. My daughter is 10 and has been a raging ball of hormones lately. During one of her daily “Y ou don’t understand me and how hard my life is!” tantrums, I yelled, out of sheer exhaustion: “You don’t know a hard life! When I was your age, my stepdad used to hit me and touch me inappropriately.” I regretted it immediately and left the room. I told my husband what I had said, and he thought I should talk to her about it. I didn’t. I chose to do what people always...

16th Annual Minnesota Pinwheels for Prevention Awards April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Each year, we spotlight tribes and communities statewide that have consistently worked to create safe and healthy environments for children. The Pinwheels for Prevention Award recognizes their commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect through collaborative efforts. Work at the community level is crucial for ensuring that Minnesota families and children are able to thrive. Please submit...

The University of MN and Natalis Counseling & Psychology Solutions are partnering to provide two new drug and alcohol abuse prevention and intervention programs. The goal of the programs is to help adolescents and parents live a healthy and drug-free life. These brief, evidenced-based interventions (described below) provide a unique opportunity for teens and their families to develop skills related to problem solving, goal planning, and relationship building. For more information about...

Each month Prevent Child Abuse America's Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Dr. Bart Klika, does a quick run-down of emerging research related to child abuse and neglect prevention. In this inaugural installment, Dr. Klika walks through some of the recent research into the effects of childhood trauma and how the lasting effects of this trauma is impacting mothers who participate in home visiting programs. Watch the video here

Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse: December 7, 2023, to December 8, 2023. Radiothon to End Child Abuse is an event that seeks to raise money to support local child protection prevention efforts in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, and Morrison Counties. The Radiothon raises funds when people make monetary pledges, and purchase auction items on this site . Pledge dollars are shared with Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota and the local counties; auction proceeds remain...