How to report sexual abuse and exploitation

This information is provided as a public service of the Diocese of Saint Cloud in support of healthy families,
strong communities and healing ministry.

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone . . . both children and adults.

Help is available. Help is often free. Your privacy will be respected.

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; a 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 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 don't have to face or name your abuser. You don't have to give any information you are not
comfortable disclosing.

It does not matter how long ago the abuse was. Help and treatment are available to you.

What to do when someone reports abuse:
• Keep calm
• Be supportive
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Report abuse to appropriate authorities
• Seek medical attention if appropriate

What not to do when someone reports abuse:
• Don't overwhelm the person
• Don't press for details
• Don't make promises that you are not sure you will be able to keep
• Don't confront the offender (leave this to the proper authorities)

Who to call to report suspected abuse:

If you believe there is immediate danger, call —
Your local law enforcement agency at "9-1-1", or
The National Hotline for Child Abuse: 1-800-422-4453

St. Cloud Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator:
Thomas P. Keaveny, MSW-LICSW
(320) 761-5963

St. Cloud Diocesan Victim Advocates:
• Maxine Barnett (320) 253-6900
• Rev. Tim Baltes (320) 251-4831
• Rita Clasemann (320) 697-1593
• Nancy Fandel (320) 685-7507
• Tom Klecker (320) 253-2866
• Rev. Patrick Riley (320) 650-1653
• Dolores Saurer (218) 736-3592

Child Protection Agencies within the Diocese of St. Cloud (by county):

Benton County Human Services (320) 968-5087
Douglas County Social Services (320) 762-2302
Grant County Social Services (218) 685-4414
Isanti County Family Services (763) 689-1711
Kanabec County Family Services (320) 679-6350
Mille Lacs County Family Services (320) 983-8208
Morrison County Social Services (320) 632-2951 or toll-free 1-800-269-1464
Otter Tail County Social Services (218) 998-8150
Pope County Family Services (320) 634-5750
Sherburne County Social Services (763) 241-2600 or tol-free 1-800-433-5239
Stearns County Human Services (320) 656-6000
Stevens County Human Services (320) 589-7400
Todd County Social Services (320) 732-4500
Traverse County Social Services (320) 563-8095
Wadena County Social Services (218) 631-7605
Wilkin County Family Services (218) 643-716

© 2004, 2005 Diocese of Saint Cloud. All rights reserved.