Protecting Our Children: Spotting Abuse and Empowering Kids' Mental Health

Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | YouTube | SpotifyIn this deeply moving episode, Lindsay sits down with Laura Evens—friend, mentor, and founder of the Willowfield Foundation—to discuss the traumatic events that changed her family forever. Laura shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s sexual abuse and suicide attempt, the hidden dangers of grooming, and the shocking reality that abuse often hides in plain sight. This conversation covers the painful truth about child sexual abuse, trafficking, and the signs parents usually miss. Laura also explains her work with NAMI and the importance of access to mental health support. This episode is a call to action for all of us: to be aware, ask better questions, and protect the most vulnerable in our lives.Key Takeaways

• Child abuse thrives in silence, secrecy, and “nice” neighborhoods.
• Grooming is subtle, manipulative, and often misunderstood.
• Trafficking and abuse aren’t always strangers or abductions: 90% of abusers are known and trusted.
• Ask better questions as a parent—don’t just ask if they were polite, ask if anything felt uncomfortable.
• Secrets are never safe; surprises are fun, but secrets need to be shared.
• Parents should show up unannounced and trust their gut feelings.
• The Willowfield Foundation provides mental health therapy scholarships for children.
• Forgiveness and healing are daily choices, not one-time events.

Listen in to learn more 01:58 – Laura's background and transition from corporate to mission-driven work05:16 – The traumatic experience that changed everything07:25 – Warning signs, grooming, and the importance of adult responsibility11:56 – Empowering kids to speak up without fear15:08 – Laura’s work with NAMI and crisis response16:58 – Founding the Willowfield Foundation and its mission19:41 – Letting go of guilt as a parent20:44 – Shocking statistics about abuse and why awareness matters22:39 – Where to find more informationResources & Next Steps

• Willowfield Foundation
• NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Stewards of Children Training – Darkness to Light

Trust Your Gut FeelingsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lindsey-elmore-show--5952903/support.