Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Child abuse presents profound immediate and long-term problems

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month - an unfortunate reminder that child abuse - in all its forms - continues to be a persistent problem.

Missoula's Teresa Nygaard and Katie Peterson are all too familiar with the issue. Nygaard is executive director of "The Parenting Place", a local program that provides a variety of services; chief among them strengthening families by providing classes to build parenting skills. Peterson is a city police detective who specializes in investigating sexual crimes committed against children.
Peterson also volunteers on The Parenting Place board of directors.
     In this evening's feature interview with Edward O'Brien, Nygaard and Peterson discuss the causes of child abuse, it's prevalence and what can be done to reduce these crimes. Nygaard says abuse falls into three general categories: physical violence, sexual and psychological abuse.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information