Protecting God's Children

Ensuring the Security and Purity of God's Children

Ensuring the Security and Purity of God's Children
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call your local law enforcement agency at "911". If you have questions about a situation, call the National Hotline for Child Abuse: 1-800-422-4453.

Wadena County Social Services: 218-631-7605

Otter Tail County Social Services: 218-998-8150

How To Report and Abuse

The Diocese of Saint Cloud and our parishes are committed to ensuring the safety and purity of God's children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Diocese of Saint Cloud

What we need to create for our children is an environment that will embrace the person who has the courage to tell of their abuse. We must believe them, we must support them, and not make them feel responsible.

The person who sexually abuses and exploits can be just about anyone – a father or mother; a sister or brother; an aunt or uncle; a teacher or 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 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 do not 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.