Reading Wade Cates’ firsthand account as a survivor of child sexual abuse is a sobering reminder that more needs to be done to protect the children of the community.

Today’s front page story points out that child abuse and sexual assault are serious problems.

And they’re not someone else’s problems. They’re happening here. At an alarming rate.

While the extent of child sexual abuse may be difficult to believe — or easy to ignore because victims rarely tell their stories publicly — Cates’ courageous decision to speak out provides a face to represent the often anonymous victim.

By telling his story, he regained not only his voice, which he said was silenced by his abuser, he also acted as a voice for other victims.

It’s much easier to believe and harder to ignore when a problem is voiced by someone familiar, and Cates describes what he went through in a way that should make everyone want to prevent it from happening again.

To help community members recognize and prevent child sexual abuse, Prevent Child Abuse Oregon and Blue Mountain Hospital District are sponsoring a free training for county adults from 2-4 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Canyon City Community Hall.

This is an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about how they can help. The more people who are trained, the better chance the community has at protecting children.

Nationally, the statistics should be a wake-up call. One in 10 children will be sexually abused before age 18. Victims know the abuser in 90 percent of the cases. Most child abuse victims, 60 percent, never tell anyone.

And, remember, that one child out of 10 is not just a statistic. That one child is someone like Cates.

Grant County proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. April is also National Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month. Friday’s training provides community members a chance to learn more and do something about these problems plaguing the community.

For all the victims in Grant County — known and unknown — we urge everyone in the community to do everything possible to protect the children.

Our future depends on it. And they depend on us.