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.