Safe Passage is bringing urgent attention to child abuse in Minnesota—and people are starting to listen. From the media to lawmakers, this week marked real momentum.
Last Friday, the Star Tribune published a powerful commentary by Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner, calling on our state to “start treating child abuse like the public health crisis it is.” It’s a compelling call to action—and well worth the read.
On Monday, every member of the Minnesota House and Senate received a copy of Safe Passage’s latest child fatality report. Just days later, it was cited during a committee hearing focused on the best ways to protect children in homes—evidence that this issue is breaking through at the Capitol.
By Tuesday, the spotlight grew even brighter. Cameras from all four major news stations were focused on Safe Passage leaders during a Capitol press conference alongside Representative Nolan West and Crystal McNally of Never Shake Minnesota. The message was clear: protecting children must be a statewide priority. Here are some of the stories that aired.
Following the press conference, several legislators met directly with Safe Passage volunteer advocates to hear about our policy priorities and the urgent need for reform. We’re especially grateful to the following legislators or their staff who took time to listen:
Representatives Ben Bakeberg (R–54B), Leigh Finke (DFL–66A), Mike Freiberg (DFL–43B), Julie Greene (DFL–45A), Alice Mann (DFL–56A), Nathan Nelson (R–11B), Dave Pinto (DFL–64B), Lucy Rehm (DFL–48B), and Nolan West (R–32A); and Senators Julia Coleman (R–48), Scott Dibble (DFL–61), Heather Gustafson (DFL–36), John Jasinski (R–24), Warren Limmer (R–34), John Marty (DFL–40), Clare Oumou Verbeten (DFL–66), Sandy Pappas (DFL–65), and Eric Pratt (R–54).
This is how change happens—by showing up, speaking out, and building momentum.
If you’re willing to contact your own legislators in support of this work, we’d love to help you get started. Email us at contactus@safepassageforchi
We are making real progress to strengthen Minnesota’s child protection system. If you’d like to support this effort, please consider making a financial contribution.