Monsters Are Real: The Hidden Reality of Sexual Abuse in Rural Eastern Montana

By CNADA – Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault

When we hear the word monster, we imagine something hiding under a bed, lurking in the dark, or creeping through nightmares. But here in Eastern Montana, the monsters don’t hide in shadows. They walk among us. They wear familiar faces. They coach youth sports. They sit in church pews. They wave from across the fence line. And too often, they hurt children and women—and get away with it.

💔 The Truth We Don’t Want to Face

Sexual abuse and assault are happening right here in our rural communities. And the heartbreaking truth is that the majority of offenders are not strangers. They are family members, neighbors, teachers, and trusted figures.

“People think this stuff only happens in big cities. But the worst day of my life happened in a town with 800 people. He was my uncle. Everyone thought he was the nicest man in town.”
—Survivor, Eastern Montana

According to the Montana Department of Justice, 90% of children who are sexually abused know their abuser. In rural areas, where family ties run deep and privacy is limited, victims often face incredible pressure to stay silent—to “keep the peace,” to avoid shame, or because they simply have no one safe to tell.

🧩 Why It’s So Hidden in Rural Areas

Rural Eastern Montana is proud, independent, and tightly knit. But these same qualities can make sexual abuse especially difficult to detect—and even harder to confront:

• Isolation: Victims may live miles from their nearest neighbor, making it easier for abuse to continue unnoticed.

• Close community ties: Reporting abuse can mean accusing someone respected or well-liked. This can lead to disbelief, retaliation, or victim-blaming.

• Lack of access to services: Fewer mental health providers, forensic interviewers, or trauma-informed professionals make getting help harder.

• Shame and silence: In small towns, gossip spreads fast. Victims often fear being judged, blamed, or ostracized.

🚨 The Statistics Are Staggering

• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. experience child sexual abuse before age 18.

• Montana ranks among the top 10 states for reported child sexual abuse per capita.

• In 2023, ICAC cyber tips in Montana surged past 1,500, many involving child exploitation and abuse material.

• Fewer than 30% of sexual assaults are reported, and far fewer lead to prosecution—especially when the perpetrator is well-connected in the community.

👧 The Children Suffer in Silence

Many children never tell. When they do, it’s often years later—and sometimes too late for justice. Perpetrators rely on fear, shame, manipulation, and power to keep them quiet.

“He told me no one would believe me. And he was right. When I told, they said I was making it up to get attention. My mom didn’t talk to me for months.”
—Survivor, Fallon County

This is why CNADA exists—to believe them. To listen. To advocate. To stand in the gap when no one else will.

🛑 How We Break the Cycle

1. Believe Survivors. Especially Children.

When someone shares abuse, your first response should always be: “I believe you.” False reports are extremely rare. Survivors need safety—not skepticism.

2. Educate Our Communities

We need to talk about consent, boundaries, grooming, and abuse. In schools, churches, homes, and public forums. Silence protects perpetrators.

3. Watch for Red Flags

• Adults who isolate children or disregard boundaries

• Sudden changes in a child’s behavior or grades

• Attempts to cover up or excuse inappropriate behavior

4. Report Abuse

If you suspect abuse, call it in. It’s not gossip. It’s a child’s life.

📞 CNADA Is Here to Help

Whether you’re a survivor, a parent, a teacher, or someone with questions—you are not alone.

Call us confidentially at [Insert CNADA Helpline].
We provide:

• Advocacy and support

• Referrals for forensic exams or therapy

• Safety planning and court accompaniment

• Assistance navigating the legal system

• Trauma-informed care for children and families

We serve Custer, Fallon, Carter, Powder River, Rosebud, Garfield, and Treasure counties.

🗣️ Let’s Be the Ones Who Speak Up

Monsters hide in plain sight. They count on our silence. But we can shine a light in even the darkest corners of our communities. We can protect our children. We can believe our survivors. We can demand justice.

“For years, I thought I was the only one. Then I met another girl who went through the same thing—right here in my town. And I realized we weren’t alone. We just weren’t talking.”
—Survivor, Rosebud County

Let’s start talking.

📚 Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Child Abuse Fast Facts

• Montana Department of Justice – Victim Services

• Montana Department of Justice – Sextortion and ICAC

• RAINN – Statistics on Child and Teen Victimization

• RAINN – Reporting Rates and Justice System Outcomes