Mindful Monday: Child Abuse Awareness Month and watching for warning signs

LA CROSSE (WKBT) — April marks Child Abuse Awareness Month and Family & Children’s Center (FCC) is taking action to raise awareness.

News 8 Now This Morning’s Alexandra Carter and Art Jarrett were joined by Tita Yutuc, President and CEO of FCC to discuss the month and what viewers should know about child abuse.

The Family and Children’s Center has been around for over 140 years in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. They provide over 30 types of programs focused on helping families and offering support services such as early intervention and treatment programs.

Some of their upcoming events to spread awareness include:

• “A Safe Family” art contest at FCC Winona, Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• “Winner’s Celebration” at WNB Financial, April 17th starting at 5 p.m.

Support in the form of action is the best way to support victims of abuse. Yutuc says, “if you see something, say something.”

If you suspect someone may be a victim of child abuse, she recommends either calling the FCC, the authorities, the county, or anyone you think may be able to help.

“I don’t think people realize have prevalent child abuse is,” Yutuc adds. “Right here in our community, last year alone, our child advocacy center did interviews for 541 kids between Winona and La Crosse.”

Story originally aired on WKBT on April 7, 2025.