Guest Column: Sandusky, Lynn Convictions Remind US to Be Vigilant, Report Suspected Child Abuse

By Anne Adams
Express-Times
June 30, 2012

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/06/guest_column_convictions_in_sa.html

The stories we heard during the trials of Jerry Sandusky for abusing teenage boys and Monsignor William Lynn for failing to protect children from predator priests were tragic for all involved — the defendants, the institutions they served, and especially the young people whose lives were ruined.

Perhaps the most damaging long-term result is the loss of trust in the many good people who work with our youth. Can we ever look at our teachers, coaches, ministers and others the same way again? These trials involved very sad stories, indeed. Do these events provide an opportunity to do more to stop child abuse? Can we learn anything from what we have read for these many months? I think we can.

Child abuse is traumatizing and leaves permanent scars. Long after abuse occurs individuals struggle to come to terms with their victimization. We saw adults struggling to deal with powerful emotions and psychological anguish. In the testimony of victims we saw the painful legacy of abuse.

Many said they knew they were in an uncomfortable situation but were afraid to come forward because they were embarrassed, did not believe they would be viewed as credible, or were offered gifts they had no other way of receiving. Even years later, many victims did not speak up because they did not think their word would be trusted against that of a powerful coach or priest.

Part of Sandusky’s defense was that he was a successful coach, had a great personality and was an all- around nice guy. We should know by now that successful, charming people can be child abusers. In fact, charm is essential to the grooming process by which abusers cultivate their victims.

We are reluctant to acknowledge abuse even when it is apparent. We tend to avert our gaze and say, “I didn’t see that.” To me, Mike McQueary is the one hero to emerge from the Sandusky trial. He came forward and reported what he had seen, following what he thought to be the chain of command. His decision to report abuse was probably career-ending.

When institutions are confronted with evidence of wrongdoing they tend to circle the wagons. The reputation of the institution becomes more important than finding the truth or helping the victims. We’ve seen this phenomenon in educational, religious, nonprofit, for-profit and government organizations too often. Leaders of such organizations must make sure the Mike McQuearys of this world feel empowered to come forward and are not punished when they do.

Most of us do not know what to do when confronted by abuse, but the answer is simple: If you see abuse, report it to the police, or better yet, take advantage of the 24-hour hotline in Pennsylvania to report abuse: 800-932-0313. Education is important. Teach children to recognize abuse, and to promptly report abusers.

The last few months have been damaging to institutions that are very important to the commonwealth. Moreover, our faith in the thousands of wonderful individuals who do the important work of teaching, coaching, and helping children develop into healthy and confident adults has been undermined. Let’s all vow to learn from what we have seen and do our best to stamp out child abuse.

Anne Adams is senior vice president for prevention and intervention of Valley Youth House. Among the programs she oversees is Project Child, a community coalition to raise awareness and stop child abuse