Background
Why the
Construction Industry?
It is no secret that contractors are an integral part of our communities. The leaders of these companies don’t stop being leaders when they clock off: They are active, involved, and committed members of the community. This industry is dedicated to making Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Idaho native Matt Morgan is one of those leaders. Born and raised in Idaho Falls, Matt built a highly successful design and construction business from the ground up. Morgan Construction was a proud member of the Idaho Association of General Contractors before merging with a larger member company, facilitating his ability to fully focus on Building Hope Today.
What do we know?
Since Speaking Out
Matt has been approached countless times on the construction site by his peers, who share their own stories of abuse and subsequent personal challenges. Ones that they haven’t spoken about before. It is a fact that mental health issues plague the construction industry. This industry has the second highest rate of suicide in the country, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 15% of all construction workers have a substance abuse disorder, according to American Addiction Centers, compared to the 8.6% of the general population.
Uncomfortable conversations need to happen
The more open we are about this subject, the less isolated those who experience this type of abuse will feel; more voices will speak up, education can happen, and change and healing can finally occur. Matt’s story needs to be shared. Look at your work crew: If you have 13 or more men working on your job site, chances are that at least one will have had an experience like Matt’s, and they may need to hear that they are not alone. There are resources and support available to them. They have options.
Standing Up & Speaking Out
“I finally had a voice after all these years of misunderstood frustration, fear, and anger that will allow me the opportunity to find peace and true happiness in every bit of my soul and being,” Matt said. “I hope for this second chance in life for all those who have experienced that same horrible experience I did as a child.”
Building Hope, Today
As contractors, we build and lead our communities. Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic. And we don’t talk about it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. We all have an essential role to play. “Together, we can make a difference and mitigate these crimes against our children,” Matt affirms. We all can build hope, today.
Sharing Our Knowledge
Upcoming Events
January 2023 - OSHER Institute
Community Training
February 2023 - Idaho State Police
Peace Officer Standards Training
March 2023 - College of W. Idaho
Peace Officer Standards Training
April 2023 - Southwest Idaho
Multidisciplinary Team Conference
May 2023 - Ada County Probation
Juvenile Probation Officer Training
June 2023 - Idaho Council on Domestic Violence & Victim Assistance
Two Days in June Conference
July 2023 - Online, On-Demand
Statewide Community Training
August 2023 - Dallas Children's Advocacy Center
Crimes Against Children Conference
September 2023 - Idaho State Police
Peace Officer Standards Training
October 2023 - College of W. Idaho
Peace Officer Standards Training
What Are People Saying
Testimonials from MDT Members
PROSECUTOR:
"This training provided a new way of looking at cases. I had detectives talk to me about cases we’re working on together, saying, ‘We can do this differently... We can add this... I can ask this question...’ We’re looking at future cases and cases we could have done better if we had this knowledge before. It was important for our multidisciplinary team to receive this training and to receive it together.”
MEDICAL PROVIDER:
DETECTIVE:
“All the information was really important. It was like being hit in the face with a sledgehammer. [This training] made us realize that in cases, even ones where we were able to get an omission from the suspect, having the foundation of grooming that built up to the abuse would have solidified a case ten times more in front of a jury. If you can build a case with the steps of grooming [we learned here], a case would have a solid case for conviction even without an omission.”
VICTIM ADVOCATE:
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER:
“I learned that cases go beyond the incident of abuse. To understand the victim and the case, we must investigate, research, and understand everything that led to the first abuse incident, and all the way to the last incident before disclosure. Everyone involved in preventing child sexual abuse needs this training.”
SAFETY ASSESSOR:
“I’ve been to your training, but I have many new detectives who haven’t had the opportunity to attend yet. I’ve gone over your training with them, and all the detectives want to follow the methodology and use it in their cases. It’s a game-changer in how we interact with victims, investigate and prosecute offenders, and take care of ourselves. I hope to get my detectives to training soon. We are short-staffed and overworked, so the closer to home for the training would help us immensely! Of course, the funds are always a struggle for all sheriff offices and police departments here. Our Sheriff is pretty good to make things happen where he can, but assistance would be very helpful. There are quite a few new detectives in the surrounding areas on this side of the state, so a training locally would be huge.”
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