Letter: Silence hurts abuse victims

Dave Balson’s recent column, “Coach or

clergy, silence protects the rapist” is one of the best I have read

on this subject in some time. Without a doubt, silence is the glue

that keeps the sexual abuse of children firmly in place. We must

take every opportunity to speak against this societal scourge.

Whether a priest, coach, teacher, counselor or a parent, uncle,

aunt, brother, sister, the affects are devastating upon the

victim.

Society, and yes even our

corporations, must learn it is okay to talk about and support

charities that work with, educate about or advocate for victims of

sexual assault.

I once heard the head of Amnesty

International, at a New York film screening of “Twist of Faith,”

talk about how we would not recognize society as we know it today

if we could eliminate all forms of sexual abuse. I know that

doesn’t solve every social ill…but so much of those who struggle

today do so because of sexual abuse histories. He couldn’t be more

correct.

We need to talk about, write about,

editorialize about and continue the satirical cartoons about the

sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults in our society until

our legislators “get it” and put in place common-sense laws that

hold both institutions and individuals responsible when they fail

to take appropriate action against a known predator, regardless of

their institution’s prestige, honor or reputation.

Our children deserve no less!

Regards,

Mark Crawford

Clergy abuse survivor.