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	Abuse Part 1: It's the Victim's Problem, Sad to Say By Tom Morton Star-Tribune November 9, 2011 http://trib.com/news/opinion/blogs/morton/abuse-part-it-s-the-victim-s-problem-sad-to/article_4d368063-f834-5b87-9d82-5dfaa80a5327.html The allegations of sexual abuse involving GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain and the upper echelons of Penn State probably will play themselves out over the next few months in the weary waltz that has become common over the past couple of decades in business, politics, religion, government, education and just about every other facet of life. The waltz (I wish I could think of a better metaphor than this elegant, romantic dance) consists of accuse, deny, counterattack, story revisions on all sides, blame the media (of course!), why did s/he wait so long?, change the subject, more accusations, proud defenders of the accused, acknowledgment of the problem, and whew! glad we've got that behind us. Former Wyoming Catholic Bishop Joseph Hart recently was named by a sixth person in yet another civil lawsuit in Missouri alleging abuse in the 1970s. But this waltz is already dead in its tracks because nobody cares about this alleged scandal anymore. Lost among all the sparring are those who really are victims of abuse and harassment. The few fortunate receive apologies, compensation and counseling for a lifetime of damage. That damage includes depression, substance abuse, inability to bond, broken relationships, broken marriages, financial ruin, growing up to be an abuser, and suicide to name a few. Of course, many of these victims are vilified by authorities in the institutions -- church, school, business, political parties, the law -- as gold-diggers, publicity seekers or revenge seekers. All of which strikes up the band to start the next waltz. The Herman Cain thing, as of this writing, so far has followed the usual dance steps: unnamed accusers, "I never harassed anyone," the accused as victim, accusers who are willing to come forward, more denials and so forth. The Penn State thing is different because an eye witness of abuse reported it but the powers that be never followed up on it. The boy involved in the shower rape apparently has not come forward so far, given he's alive. However, both involve people in authority who hold power over those who are vulnerable. And most regrettably, the burden is on the victim to raise the issue and pursue it. Reach Tom Morton at 307-266-0592, or at tom.morton@trib.com. You can read his blog at trib.com and follow him on Twitter @GTMorton.
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