The Daily News

Sexual abuse is a nationwide issue, but recently the problem has increased in Wilkin County.

Six children are presently receiving treatment because they have perpetrated acts against other individuals, and a seventh is going to court, said Dave Sayler, human services director for Wilkin County Family Service Agency.

Of the six getting treatment, the age ranged from 9- to 17-years-old. They have all been in care for the past two years, and five will eventually be released into Wilkin County.

Advertisement

"We've also had out-of-home placements that are significantly higher than other cities our size," he said.

While the numbers may seem high per capita, he said more efficient reporting may be behind the increase.

Local schools and counselors may also be tipping off the agency when a problem arises.

"Our agency also tries to work with families early on, when we become aware of it," said Sayler.

A 2005 Minnesota Department of Health study estimated costs of sexual violence in the state amounted to $7 billion.

Steven Sawyer, executive director of Project Pathfinder in St. Paul, told Wilkin County commissioners Tuesday that early prevention is key to combating the problem.

"It's the right investment," he said.

But narrowing down the factors involved is difficult, as 88 percent of victims never report the crime.

Ninety percent of abuse occurs between kids and adults who know each other, but by and large, there is no typical sex offender.

"We can detect the early signs most of the time, but the prediction of human behavior is not a promise," Sawyer said. "It's a long-term investment."

Sexual abuse is the result of a myriad of elements, including family traits, the child's chemistry and media influence.

"There are lots of ways kids get messages," said Sawyer. "We can't just blame the family, or just blame the media."

But adolescent abusers and adults can be treated, especially when they are provided with new technology and an adequate amount of treatment by providing an adequate amount of treatment for them and taking advantage of new technology.

"We help them resolve their hurt and abuse before the hurt and abuse is carried out on others," said Dr. Tim Wright, clinical director of child and adolescent services at Project Pathfinder.

"Many of these people, regardless of what box they're in, can be treated," he said. "[The percentage] is a lot higher than what you'd think."

Comments

DL wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Please visit our website, www.d2l.org, for information on how to prevent child sexual abuse. You can also enroll in an online training class that enables individuals to recognize the early warning signs... "




Report Abuse