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We are all shocked and saddened by what has recently transpired in our community. The past several weeks have been challenging, as many have wondered how this could happen in our town. Many residents are dismayed that prominent community members may be connected to such despicable acts. The fact is that child sexual abuse is prevalent across our nation, and Tremonton and Box Elder County are not exempt from it.

When examining national statistics on child sexual abuse, we see how serious the issue is. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of this abuse. In our community, we aim to raise awareness among citizens about its prevalence and to support those impacted.

Domestic violence profoundly affects numerous families in our community, leading to harmful consequences for victims, their families, and our entire community. Child sexual abuse can have wide-ranging and serious consequences for those who have been victimized. For many, these effects can endure throughout adult life, affecting their psychological and physical well-being.

Just as children often need reminders to take precautions when crossing the road or to avoid playing with matches, many of us also need reminders regarding the serious nature of child sexual abuse. This topic should be included in our discussions with children, adolescents, and teens. Information can be introduced at an early age, as even young children can understand concepts related to abuse. As families, schools, churches, and the community, we should be ready to openly address this critical issue.

To initiate the discussion, at our City Council meeting on March 18th, we proclaimed April as Sexual Abuse Against Children Awareness Month, recognizing our sacred duty to ensure that no one experiences child sexual abuse. This proclamation will not be a one-time statement to be filed away and forgotten but a call to action in our community.

In Tremonton City, we will take essential steps to raise awareness of the devastating effects of sexual violence against children and to do our best to protect these victims and their families. The city has been and will remain actively engaged in openly communicating our efforts to alleviate the devastating effects of child sexual abuse. Following are some steps we can take to make our community a safer place for all.

  • Tremonton City implements a rigorous vetting process for selecting employment candidates and, if necessary, will strengthen it even further. The City will not tolerate any instances of child sexual abuse involving its employees.
  • The past several weeks have been challenging for our first responders. The City has offered support to police and fire department employees from professionals at “First Responders First,” a peer support group, as well as support from fellow first responders and city administration. Tremonton City has allocated and will continue to allocate funding for the emotional support of our first responders.
  • Effective communication is essential for ensuring the safety of children, adolescents, and teens. We will enhance awareness by encouraging parents, schools, and community leaders to engage in nurturing and constructive conversations with their children about sexual abuse.

Tremonton City reaffirms its commitment to fostering a community where no one suffers the pain and hardship of abuse. While April is recognized as Sexual Abuse Awareness Month for Children in Tremonton, the effort to raise awareness and cultivate an atmosphere of healing must be ongoing.

It is important to remember that one of the first steps is promoting community awareness. This awareness is crucial for initiating the healing process and creating a safer environment for everyone in our community.

Local organizations like the New Hope Crisis Center, Boys & Girls Club, and the Box Elder Family Support Center play a crucial role in this effort. These organizations provide a wide range of services, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. They work around the clock to ensure that survivors have a safe haven and the support they need to rebuild their lives.