April 23, 2024 (Wright County) – April observes Sexual Assault Prevention Month. This month aims to raise awareness about sexual violence, promote prevention, and support survivors. It also highlights the importance of consent education, bystander intervention, and creating safe environments.
In April, the CGD school district and the Clarion Police Department team up to educate elementary students about “safe and unsafe touches”. Deputy Police Chief Bret Thompson sat down with The Wright County Monitor to discuss the PD’s involvement in preventing, recognizing, and investigating this type of sensitive case.
Thompson stated the clues for abuse, sexual or physical, are sometimes obvious like bruising, and sometimes not so obvious, like changes in behavior or avoidance of a certain person or circumstance. “Children may suddenly have disciplinary problems,” stated Thompson.
When the police department receives information regarding abuse of any kind they first interview the victim and identify the abuser. Support such as Child Protective Services or Crisis Intervention could be called in to assist. The victim may be sent to the emergency room. The type of evidence collected in the emergency room depends on the type of assault.
In Iowa, recent studies reveal that neglect accounts for 59% of reported child abuse cases, followed by 28% related to drug abuse. Clarion follows the state standard. “It is like the drugs take place over the children,” Thompson solemnly shared. He also shared that the department faces the major barrier of different languages and the stigma attached to sexual assault when investigating.
Nationwide sexual abuse affects one in four girls and one in 13 boys before the age of 18. Clarion has witnessed a fluctuating trend in reported cases of sexual abuse over the past five years. In 2021, there were 28 reports of sexual assault, which increased to 50 in 2022 before returning to 28 cases in 2023. Despite variations, the overall trajectory indicates a rise in reported incidents compared to the initial figures shared in 2021.
In the four months of 2024, the Clarion Police Department received 11 reports of sexual assault. Most recently, Wright County has seen one sentencing of a sex offender, located in Woolstock, in 2024.
Thompson shared that he hopes bringing awareness to the issues of abuse and sexual assault will harden the prison sentences offenders receive. “Sexual assault is the number one case where a victim will face lifelong effects. When you’re sitting across from the victims, you want to see them get justice.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, remember, it is not your fault. Help and support are available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, as well as the Clarion Police Department and Wright County Crisis Intervention Services.
