SUPPORTING HEALTHY FAMILIES, BUILDING SAFE COMMUNITIES
The person who sexually abuses and exploits can be anyone – a father or mother; a sister or brother; an aunt or uncle, a teacher; a coach; a priest, minister, rabbi or clergy person; a neighbor; a friend; a stranger – sexual abusers can usually be identified only by the individual they abuse. Often times the victim survivor is the only person who knows.
Whoever they are, no matter how rich or powerful, well-known or well-liked, if they sexually abuse or exploit you, they are committing a crime. If someone has sexually abused you or exploited you, and you feel that the time is right to come forward, there are professionals you can talk to about your experience. They can assist you in getting the help you need.
You do not have to face your abuser. You don’t have to give any information you are not comfortable disclosing. It does not matter how long ago the abuse was. Assistance is available to you.
Downloadable Brochures: How to Report Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (English) (PDF) and Como Reportar el Abuso Sexual y La Explotacion (Spanish) (PDF).
Who to Call to Report Suspected Abuse
Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator:
Roxann Storms, MSW, LICSW, FT
(320) 248-1563 (Confidential Line)
Email: vac@gw.stcdio.org
Diocesan Victim Advocates:
Jane Blee: (320) 251-3430
Tom Klecker: (320) 271-3135
Peggy Rezac: (218) 731-5528
Rev. Stanley Wieser: (Español) (320) 815-9696
The National Hotline for Child Abuse: 1-800-422-4453
If you believe there is immediate danger, call your local Law Enforcement Agency at “911”
Benton County Human Services
(320) 968-5087
Douglas County Social Services
(320) 762-2302
Grant County Social Services
(218) 685-8200
Isanti County Family Services
(763) 689-1711
Kanabec County Family Services
(320) 679-6350
Mille Lacs County Community and Veteran’s Services
(320) 983-8208
Morrison County Social Services
(320) 632-2951
(800) 269-1464
Otter Tail County Social Services
(218) 998-8150
Pope County Family Services
(320) 634-7755
Sherburne County Social Services
(763) 765-4000
(800) 433-5239
Stearns County Human Services
(320) 656-6000
(800) 450-3663
Stevens County Human Services
(320) 208-6600
Todd County Social Services
(320) 732-4500
Traverse County Social Services
(320) 422-7777
Wadena County Social Services
(218) 631-7605
Wilkin County Family Services
(218) 643-8013
What to Do When Someone Reports Abuse
What to do when someone reports abuse:
– Keep calm
– Be supportive
– Listen non-judgmentally
– Report to appropriate authorities
– Seek medical attention, if appropriate
What not to do when someone reports abuse:
– Do not overwhelm the person
– Do not press for details
– Do not make any promises that you are not sure you will be able to keep
– Do not confront the offender (leave this to the proper authorities).