Local zombie invasion will fight child abuse in Wright, Hamilton, and Humboldt Counties

“Everybody knows somebody who has been a victim (of sexual abuse), you just don’t know it when you see them,” said Angela Wesselink, Parent Coordinator at Parent Connection.

It’s a statement that really makes you stop and think...especially when you add into the equation the fact that Wright County ranks #1 of 99 in Iowa for sexual abuse - as reported by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. It’s a staggering statistic that leaves local professionals looking for ways not only to help these victims, but prevent it from happening in the first place.

“We’re really focusing on reducing sexual abuse in children,” said Wesselink. She believes it starts with education.

Wesselink pointed out that most kids have heard the term “stranger danger,” but the scary fact is, 90 percent of the time, according to Wesselink, the child knows their perpetrator. He/she “grooms” the child/family/community - gaining their trust.

Read the full article in the October 13 edition of the Eagle.