Fathers, too, can be source of safety, strength for victims of child abuse

LEHI – Father's Day is a day to celebrate fathers, who can be defined by many endearing terms. Adam Welch, however, wants to add another defining characteristic to the role of fatherhood: a safe connection for children to speak about abuse.

The annual Father's Day Classic golf tournament on Friday at Thanksgiving Point is put on by Welch and Prevent Child Abuse Utah, to raise funds for awareness and prevention of child abuse in Utah — helping dads to stand up to child abuse.

"Dads can play such a crucial role in understanding and believing," Welch, who sits on the board of directors for Prevent Child Abuse Utah, said. "I've heard adults and children mustering up the courage to talk to dads, but instead they downplay and minimize the abuse. Dads get one shining moment to listen; they get one shot at this."

And there are many dads who, unfortunately, may need to step up to the plate, as child abuse cases in Utah are staggeringly high.

In fact, 2020 data from the Utah Division of Child and Family Services reported 10,564 confirmed child victims of abuse or neglect with 20% of those cases being domestic violence-related, and another 14% being classified as sexual abuse.

Welch spoke specifically about child sexual abuse, stating that most victims experience abuse from a close family member or a friend. He said, in his experience, children are looking for a "superhero" to listen to them, and he wants to encourage dads to be that hero.

"It takes courage to talk about the abuse, confront the offender and heal," Welch said. "There are a fair amount of people who don't believe the victim when 99% of the time they have nothing to gain from coming out. When a child comes to us and confides in us, we need to say, 'Thanks for having the courage. Thank you for trusting me. I believe you. I won't question you.' There is a lot that all of us — especially fathers — can do to protect our families and courageously support those who need us."

The golf tournament has been sold out for several weeks, but Welch says that there is a luncheon and dinner available to the public, including women and children for $25 each, with proceeds going to Prevent Child Abuse Utah. He also said that anyone who cannot attend, can donate on the event website, fathersdayclassic.com.

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