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Child Abuse Prevention Coalition

Prevention can be a powerful lever to move our society toward greater health and well-being. Child abuse programs have traditionally focused on individual family dynamics. However, we have come to understand that a community needs to work collaboratively and provide resources to families to prevent child maltreatment by offering services that promote education, understanding, and conditions that promote health and well-being.

The Goals of the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (CAPC)

  • Collaborate with other community agencies and members to accomplish a broad base of community-wide support to promote safety for all children.
  • Strengthen our communities’ awareness of the precedence of child abuse.
  • Create opportunities for community members to step forward and participate in child abuse prevention.

Upcoming Events

< September 2025 >
MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
1 2 3Dialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsDialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsTime: 3:15 pm - 12:00 am
Do you need some skills to cope with emotional or behavioral challenges in your life or in the lives of those who live with you?
Learn about the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills that are being taught at Amberwing and Essentia Health in this program for parents, guardians, extended family and community
members, 18 years and older.
Amberwing
615 Pecan Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Map
4Carrie-oke!Carrie-oke!Time: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
For kids ages birth to five and their caregivers. Join Miss Carrie for a group sing-a-long and dance party! We’ll be dancing, grooving and feeling the beat. Be prepared to move your body and sing some favorite storytime and other songs.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
5 6Colorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayColorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayTime: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
For ages 11 and up. Learn basic basketry skills and stitch techniques to create a small coiled basket in this guided workshop. Participants will start by wrapping yarn around a cotton rope core to build the base of their basket. Erika LeMay will guide attendees through stitching and creating simple patterns using different colors. Beginner artists will follow along to spiral their baskets outward and upward to complete a functional work of art! This workshop is a 2.5 hours long art experience designed for adults, teens, and children, ages 11 years or older. Adult assistance will be needed for younger children to participate. Registration is required. Offered in two sessions:
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1:30-4:00 p.m.
This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF).
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Colorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayColorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayTime: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
For ages 11 and up. Learn basic basketry skills and stitch techniques to create a small coiled basket in this guided workshop. Participants will start by wrapping yarn around a cotton rope core to build the base of their basket. Erika LeMay will guide attendees through stitching and creating simple patterns using different colors. Beginner artists will follow along to spiral their baskets outward and upward to complete a functional work of art! This workshop is a 2.5 hours long art experience designed for adults, teens, and children, ages 11 years or older. Adult assistance will be needed for younger children to participate. Registration is required. Offered in two sessions:
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
1:30-4:00 p.m.
This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF).
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
7
8Family Storytime and DiscoveryFamily Storytime and DiscoveryTime: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
For children from birth to age five and their caregivers! What will your child discover at the library?
Start the morning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movement geared toward children from birth to preschool and their grownups. Afterwards, continue learning through explorative play that builds early STEAM skills, creativity, and curiosity.
Storytime in the Gold Room | 10:15-10:45 a.m
Discovery in the Green Room | 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Note: There will be no storytimes on Monday, October 13. All library locations will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
In partnership with...
Gold Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Baby Storytime at Mount RoyalBaby Storytime at Mount RoyalTime: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
For children ages birth-2 years and their caregivers! Join us for a brief storytime full of songs, rhymes, movement, and stories ideal for babies birth-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Note: There will be no storytimes on Monday, October 13. All library locations will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
9Baby Storytime at Mount RoyalBaby Storytime at Mount RoyalTime: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
For children ages birth-2 years and their caregivers! Join us for a brief storytime full of songs, rhymes, movement, and stories ideal for babies birth-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Note: There will be no storytimes on Tuesday, November 11. All library locations will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
Understanding Our Minnesota Bears! with Donna "Grizz" AndrewsUnderstanding Our Minnesota Bears! with Donna "Grizz" AndrewsTime: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
For grades 2-8. Please join us for this presentation by Donna "Grizz" Andrews, which includes photos, videos and lots of wild stories about Minnesota bears. Learn helpful techniques for coexisting with bears, including tips to understand bear language, behavior, how to keep everyone safe, and how to be a good neighbor to the bears who live in our communities. Come prepared to see some cute bears! Donna "Grizz" Andrews has been a bear advocate for many years, acting as a guide, advisor and presenter for various educational organizations and private groups across the United States and Canada.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
Crafts and GamingCrafts and GamingTime: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
For grades 6-12. Create and game in the teen space of the Main Library. There will be a different craft to do each month with Nintendo Switch™️gaming and board games available.
In partnership with...
Teen Space
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
10Family Storytime at WestFamily Storytime at WestTime: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Geared for kids ages birth to preschool, we will share books, songs, and fingerplays. The focus will be on having fun and sharing the joy of learning essential early literacy skills.
In partnership with...
Alcove
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsDialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsTime: 3:15 pm - 12:00 am
Do you need some skills to cope with emotional or behavioral challenges in your life or in the lives of those who live with you?
Learn about the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills that are being taught at Amberwing and Essentia Health in this program for parents, guardians, extended family and community
members, 18 years and older.
Amberwing
615 Pecan Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Map
Printed Tea TowelsPrinted Tea TowelsTime: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
For adults and teens, ages 13+. Join us to create your very own custom printed tea towels. Using foam printing techniques, participants will be able to design and print their very own tea towel. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Register today to reserve your spot!
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
11Baby Storytime at MainBaby Storytime at MainTime: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
For children ages birth-2 years and their caregivers! Join us for a brief storytime full of songs, rhymes, movement, and stories ideal for babies birth-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization. Note: There will be no storytimes on Thursday, November 27, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. All library locations will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27-28.
In partnership with...
Gold Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Family Storytime at Mt. RoyalFamily Storytime at Mt. RoyalTime: 10:15 am - 10:45 am
Join us each Thursday morning at 10:15 for stories, songs, and fingerplays for children from birth to preschool and their grownups. Storytime is subject to location change or cancellation depending on weather, staffing, and current public health guidelines. Please check our website or call (218)730-4290 for more information.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
12Baby Storytime at WestBaby Storytime at WestTime: 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us for a brief storytime ideal for babies birth-24 months, then stay for some early literacy playtime and socialization.
In partnership with...
Alcove
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
CrafternoonCrafternoonTime: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Best suited for kids in pre-k through grade 5. Join the Mt. Royal staff for a variety of crafts. No experience necessary. All supplies provided.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
13The Great Sheep Escape: Special Guest StorytimeThe Great Sheep Escape: Special Guest StorytimeTime: 10:15 am - 11:00 am
For kids in grades preK-3 and their caregivers! Join us for a special farm-themed storytime, featuring author and Fox 21 News anchor, producer, and reporter, Maria Vollom, reading her book "The Great Sheep Escape: Brad's Big Adventure." There will be time after storytime to ask questions about Maria's work as a writer and on the news, and about the true story of Brad the sheep.
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Read to a Dog with Cruz!Read to a Dog with Cruz!Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
For grades K-8! Practice reading aloud with Cruz the dog. Cruz loves to cuddle up and hear kids read him their favorite stories. Each child will sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Borrow a library book or bring your own.
In partnership with...
Gold Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Read to a Dog with Cruz!Read to a Dog with Cruz!Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
For grades K-8! Practice reading aloud with Cruz the dog. Cruz loves to cuddle up and hear kids read him their favorite stories. Each child will sign up for a 10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Borrow a library book or bring your own.
In partnership with...
Gold Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
14
15Read to a Dog, with Clyde!Read to a Dog, with Clyde!Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
For kids in grades K-8! Practice reading with therapy dogs who love to be read to. Each kid will sign up for a 5-10-minute reading slot when they arrive. Borrow a library book or bring your own; one book per kid. Offered in two sessions:
First session will be with Oliver, Winslow, or Lars.
Second session will be with Clyde.
In partnership with...
Alcove
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
16Builder's ClubBuilder's ClubTime: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Best suited for kids in grades 2-5. Calling all builders and engineers! Join us in the Blue Room for LEGO building challenges. Drop in to find out and participate in this month's challenge!
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
LEGO® ClubLEGO® ClubTime: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Do you love to build stuff? Come join us for our Kid Construction Series! Our first gathering of the month we’ll have some fun with LEGOs! Our second gathering of the month, in addition to the LEGOs, we’ll get out an assortment of other cool building toys, as well as everyday household building materials like cardboard, popsicle sticks and recycled materials. Each session participants can partake in different building challenges, or chose to free build and let their imaginations guild their creations! For kids in grades K-7. Kids ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver!
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Book Bingo: Lord of the RingsBook Bingo: Lord of the RingsTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This month's theme is Lord of the Rings. Never judge a book by its cover... unless you're playing Book Bingo! In a twist on the classic game, bingo numbers get replaced with book covers and other themes. You don't even have to be able to read to play. Win cool books just by playing! Fun for the whole family. Book Bingo Themes for 2025:
September: Lord of the Rings
November: DINOvember
December: Christmas
In partnership with...
Evergreen Senior Center
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
17Dialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsDialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsTime: 3:15 pm - 12:00 am
Do you need some skills to cope with emotional or behavioral challenges in your life or in the lives of those who live with you?
Learn about the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills that are being taught at Amberwing and Essentia Health in this program for parents, guardians, extended family and community
members, 18 years and older.
Amberwing
615 Pecan Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Map
Dungeons & DragonsDungeons & DragonsTime: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Dungeons and Dragons is back at the Mt. Royal Branch Library! The group consists of 6-8 players and will meet every third Wednesday of the month. Registration is required. Select 'Book Now' to sign up. For teens in grades 6-12.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
Ready, Set, Grow: Sing TogetherReady, Set, Grow: Sing TogetherTime: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
For children ages birth to 5 and their caregivers.
Join us for a series of free programs for families with children ages birth to five! Starting this summer, the Every Child Ready Duluth Coalition is bringing early literacy to a different community location each month. Drop in anytime from 4:30-6:00pm to play and learn with your little ones, meet other families, and connect with community resources. Light snacks will be provided. Activities will be geared towards children ages five and younger but the whole family is welcome to participate. This month, let's sing! We'll meet at Lincoln Park and enjoy activities and live music with Robi Myerson by the playground. Plus the Duluth Police Department will bring their ice cream bus with cool treats for all! Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative and ISD 709 ECFE will be hosting the activities with the library. Series dates and locations:
June 18, Piedmont Elementary
July 16, Playfront at Bayfront Festival Park
August 20, Playground for Every Body
September 17, Sing at Lincoln Park
October 15, Play at the Duluth Children's Museum
In partnership with...
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Dr.
Duluth MN
Map
18Teen Anime & Manga ClubTeen Anime & Manga ClubTime: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
For teens in grades 6-12! Watch anime, discuss manga, create, play games, and hang out with others who love anime and manga. Pizza is served while it lasts.
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Chess ClubChess ClubTime: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn how to play the exciting game of chess from experienced players in the Twin Ports Chess Club! Beginners can learn basic rules and strategies, while seasoned players may challenge themselves playing different opponents in open play. No matter your experience level, all are welcome. All supplies provided, but feel free to bring a personal set if you’d like. Registration encouraged. Select 'Book Now' to RSVP!
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
19Colorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayColorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayTime: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
For ages 11 and up. Learn basic basketry skills and stitch techniques to create a small coiled basket in this guided workshop. Participants will start by wrapping yarn around a cotton rope core to build the base of their basket. Erika LeMay will guide attendees through stitching and creating simple patterns using different colors. Beginner artists will follow along to spiral their baskets outward and upward to complete a functional work of art! This workshop is a 2.5 hours long art experience designed for adults, teens, and children, ages 11 years or older. Adult assistance will be needed for younger children to participate. Registration is required. This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF).
In partnership with...
Evergreen Conference Room
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
20Little Library Go at Chester Bowl Fall FestLittle Library Go at Chester Bowl Fall FestTime: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
In partnership with...
Chester Park
1800 East Skyline Parkway
Duluth MN
Map
Great North Star Read Together!Great North Star Read Together!Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
On Saturday, September 20, Minnesotans are invited to gather across the state in celebration of The Great North Star Read Together and show appreciation for the vital role libraries play in our communities. Community members are invited to gather on the Library Plaza to read and show their library love. In case of bad weather, we will meet in the Green Room, located on the Michigan Street level of the Main Library. You can find more information about this statewide event by visiting 
https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/greatnorthstarreadtogether/home?authuser=0
Library Plaza
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
21
22 23STEM for Kids: Magnetic ScienceSTEM for Kids: Magnetic ScienceTime: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
STEM for Kids is a fun hands-on series focused on learning through discovery and play. What causes magnets to stick to different objects? How does a compass work? We are going to do some fun and creative experiments to learn more about magnetism, including creating your very own magnetic slime! For grades 2-5. Registration is required. Select 'Book Now' to sign up! Please enter only the names of the children participating in this event.
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
Roast This Movie: "Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Lightning Thief"Roast This Movie: "Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Lightning Thief"Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
For grades 6-12. Celebrate and roast a horribly awesome movie! This month's movie is Percy Jackson & the Olympians- The Lightning Thief -2010, rated PG, 118 Minutes. Movie-style snacks will be served.
In partnership with...
Gold Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
24Book BingoBook BingoTime: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Get ready to play! Cover that free space and enjoy some book bingo. If you call bingo, you bring home a book. Fun for the whole family; for all ages.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsDialectical Behavior Therapy Coping Skills for AdultsTime: 3:15 pm - 12:00 am
Do you need some skills to cope with emotional or behavioral challenges in your life or in the lives of those who live with you?
Learn about the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills that are being taught at Amberwing and Essentia Health in this program for parents, guardians, extended family and community
members, 18 years and older.
Amberwing
615 Pecan Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Map
Healthy Start to a New School YearHealthy Start to a New School YearTime: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
This program is for grades 6-12. School is back in session, and the West Duluth Library is offering a drop-in program for teens to learn how to access homework help using our Brainfuse database. Did you know about FREE online tutoring available from 2:00-11:00 p.m? If you bring in your Chromebook, we can help to bookmark the program for when you need it! Back-to-school care packages, including a good book, will be available for teens who stop in to find out more (while supplies last).
In partnership with...
Alcove
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
25OJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice HarvestOJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice HarvestTime: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
For kids in grades 2-12! Join us to learn more about traditional Ojibwe ricing practices with Megan Lhotka. To begin, we will view a video about traditional ricing from Leech Lake and White Earth Nations. Afterwards, participants will explore rice from green stalk to finished rice and walk away with a wild rice book in Ojibwemowin. Megan (Miinanikwe) Lhotka is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Pembina Ojibwe in Northwest MN. As the Cultural Liaison for the Center of American Indian and Minority Health. In her role, through collaboration with the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Medica Foundation, Miinanikwe supports Indigenous youth of the White Earth Reservation gain interests in health and science careers. Miinaikwe is a medicine keeper who shares her knowledge and continues her learning through language and community.
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
OJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice Preserving with Joseph GokeeOJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice Preserving with Joseph GokeeTime: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
For kids in grades 4-12. Join us to learn traditional Ojibwe wild rice preparation techniques with Joseph Gokee and Megan Lhotka. Participants will walk through the steps of how to finish and prepare wild rice by cooking and eating it in a traditional way. Megan Lhotka (Miinanikwe) is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Pembina Ojibwe in NorthWest MN. As the Cultural Liaison for the Center of American Indian and Minority Health. In her role, through collaboration with the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Medica Foundation, Miinanikwe supports Indigenous youth of the White Earth Reservation gain interests in health and science careers. Miinaikwe is a medicine keeper who shares her knowledge and continues her learning through language and community. Joseph Gokee is a tribal member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe.
In partnership with...
Evergreen Conference Room
West Duluth Branch Library
5830 Grand Avenue
Duluth MN
Map
26OJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice Harvest Sensory Exploration and CraftOJIBWE STEM: Wild Rice Harvest Sensory Exploration and CraftTime: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
For grades K-2. Join us to use all our senses to experience an Ojibwe fall tradition with Megan Lhotka. Participants will utilize sensory bins to explore dry and wet concepts and develop scientific hypothesis about wild rice. Participants will explore leaves and language, creating a collage with fall colors in Ojibwemowin. We'll be creating art using sharpies and paint, so please dress for the mess! Megan (Miinanikwe) Lhotka is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Pembina Ojibwe in Northwest MN. As the Cultural Liaison for the Center of American Indian and Minority Health. In her role, through collaboration with the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Medica Foundation, Miinanikwe supports Indigenous youth of the White Earth Reservation gain interests in health and science careers. Miinaikwe is a medicine keeper who shares her knowledge and continues her learning through language and community.
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
27 28
29Colorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayColorful Coiled Baskets with Artist Erika LeMayTime: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
For ages 11 and up. Learn basic basketry skills and stitch techniques to create a small coiled basket in this guided workshop. Participants will start by wrapping yarn around a cotton rope core to build the base of their basket. Erika LeMay will guide attendees through stitching and creating simple patterns using different colors. Beginner artists will follow along to spiral their baskets outward and upward to complete a functional work of art! This workshop is a 2.5 hours long art experience designed for adults, teens, and children, ages 11 years or older. Adult assistance will be needed for younger children to participate. Registration is required. This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF).
In partnership with...
Blue Room
Mount Royal Branch Library
105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Duluth MN
Map
30Builders ClubBuilders ClubTime: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Do you love to build stuff? Come join us for our Kid Construction Series! Our first gathering of the month we’ll have some fun with LEGOs! Our second gathering of the month, in addition to the LEGOs, we’ll get out an assortment of other cool building toys, as well as everyday household building materials like cardboard, popsicle sticks and recycled materials. Each session participants can partake in different building challenges, or chose to free build and let their imaginations guild their creations! For kids in grades K-7. Kids ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver!
In partnership with...
Green Room
Main Library
520 W. Superior St.
Duluth MN
Map
         
Categories
 Ages 0-5
 Ages 11-14
 Ages 11-18
 Ages 13-16
 Ages 15-18
 Ages 6-10
 All Ages
 Parents

 Through research, it’s been found that child abuse can lead to a broad range of problems including substance abuse, intimate partner violence, teenager pregnancy, anxiety, depression, suicide, diabetes, heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, and obesity. (Fellitti et al., 1998; Repetti et al., 2002; Mercy & Saul, 2009) Just under half of child abuse victims do not tell anyone about their experiences for at least 5 years, while others may not disclose until they are adults- if ever. (Broman-Fulks et al., 2007)  

 Even when children do disclose, lack of effective adult response means that abuse often continues, or children do not get the help they need to heal. Data shows that one of the most important factors in minimizing the trauma of sexual abuse is the response the child receives when they disclose their abuse to an adult. Unfortunately, most teachers and parents do not have the knowledge needed to respond appropriately to disclosures of child abuse because this information is not openly provided. Through the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition, we hope to increase the community’s understanding of sexual abuse dynamics and make on-going education and information more accessible. It is also anticipated that this group will help to increase positive crisis response skills in school teachers and staff members as well as staff members in community non-profits. As well as improve our community’s understanding of mandatory reporting and schools’ protocols for responding to abuse.  

The Child Abuse Prevention Coalition was convened in 2019 to form a community response against child abuse. The coalition, comprised of community schools, youth-serving organizations, medical and mental health agencies, and other community members, provides a unified voice and collective action to support children and seek an end to child abuse in our community. This coalition is committed to collaborating and learning together, building effective community outreach and support, and constantly working towards eliminating child abuse.

Interested in Joining the Coalition?

Contact Gracie Getschel – ggetschel@firstwitness.org – for more information about joining the coalition.