April 2025

Mayor Lyle Holmgren

We are all shocked and saddened by the recent events in our community. The past few weeks have been difficult, as many have questioned how this could occur in our town. There is something particularly heartbreaking about the abuse of children. Numerous residents are troubled that notable community figures are allegedly linked to such reprehensible acts. The reality is that child abuse exists widely across our nation, and Tremonton and Box Elder County are not exempt from it.

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

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 devastating consequences for those who have been victimized, and for many, these effects can last a lifetime, influencing 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 that no one should ever experience 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 about the devastating effects of sexual violence against children and to strive to protect those victims and their families. The city has been and will continue to be actively engaged in openly communicating our efforts to alleviate the horrific impact of child sexual abuse. Here are some steps we can take to make our community a safer place for all.

Tremonton City employs a thorough vetting process for selecting employment candidates. 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 through professionals at “First Responders First,” a peer support group, along with assistance 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, guardians, schools, and community leaders to engage in nurturing and constructive conversations about child sexual abuse.

Tremonton City reaffirms its commitment to fostering a community where no one endures the pain and hardship of abuse. While April is recognized as Sexual Abuse Against Children Awareness Month in Tremonton, the effort to raise awareness and promote an atmosphere of healing must remain ongoing. Therefore, in the challenging days ahead, let us reassure our children that our community will stand against the forces of abuse and fear, doing everything in our power to promote safety and kindness.

Below are several organizations that work tirelessly to prevent domestic violence while offering hope and healing to survivors and victims of child sexual abuse.

Box Elder County Children’s Justice Center: 435-695-2520
Hope Crisis Center: 435-723-5600
Box Elder County Boys and Girls Club: 435-723-6224
Box Elder Family Support Center: 435-723-6010
Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: 800-897-5465