5-6-10

Calling all mothers: We form the first line of defense against child sexual abuse

This Opinion Editorial was published in yesterday's PG.  Justice Todd is one of our board members.
 
 
Calling all mothers: We form the first line of defense against child sexual abuse
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
By Justice Debra Todd
I've served more than 10 years as an appellate judge and no cases have affected me more deeply than those involving the sexual abuse of children. I have been astounded by the sheer number of these most appalling of crimes, which are perpetrated upon the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society.

With Mother's Day approaching, as a judge and as a mother, I am issuing a wake-up call to mothers.

Many of the abuse cases that come before our courts are too horrific to discuss in polite conversation yet these crimes repeat themselves day after day in our communities. Each year, thousands of Pennsylvania children are reported as victims of sexual abuse, one-third of them under the age of 12 and one in seven under the age of 6.

The impact of sexual abuse on a child is profound and long-lasting, often made worse by the conspiracy of silence among adults who look the other way or refuse to believe.

Sadly, most sexually abused children -- an estimated 88 percent -- never come to our attention. Victims may exhibit no physical signs of harm. Fear, secrecy and intense feelings of shame can prevent children, as well as adults aware of abuse, from seeking help. Assaults often go undetected because most occur in the privacy of the home and in the absence of witnesses.

Nearly all offenders -- 96 percent -- are male, regardless of whether the crime is committed against girls or boys. A significant percentage of cases I've seen involve abuse by a mother's boyfriend, a child's stepfather or even a child's father. This is why my wake-up call is directed to mothers. Mothers often are in a position to see what's going on -- if they keep their eyes open.

Twenty-six percent of sexual assaults on children are committed by parents or caretakers. In cases involving children under 7, almost half are family members. A predator usually is a person a child knows well and depends on for love and protection.

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape is the rape crisis center for Allegheny County. According to its executive director, Alison Hall, PAAR counsels more than 500 child victims of sexual assault each year. Of those under 12, most were victimized by a family member. For older children, an abuser often is an acquaintance (21 percent), a parent or stepparent (11 percent) or another relative (10.5 percent). Contrary to the perception of many, strangers are the least likely to sexually abuse a child (3 percent).

Mothers often can be too trusting and unaware of the dangers of exposing their children to predatory adults. Sexual assaults often occur when mothers are at work or asleep, when children are left alone with and at the mercy of an abuser. Sexual abuse can continue for months and even years before it is discovered, and sex offenders who victimize children are more than twice as likely to have multiple victims as those who target adults.

In Pennsylvania, we strive to protect our children. Our laws provide for stiffer penalties for sexual crimes when they are committed against children, and it is incumbent upon judges to impose sentences that reflect the seriousness of these offenses.

However, the harm to a child victim cannot be undone. That is why we should focus on prevention.

We must bring this topic out of the shadows and make certain it stays in the forefront of public consciousness, however uncomfortable it may be to discuss. Only then can we make progress in protecting our children from the nightmare of sexual abuse.

So, I urge all mothers to be vigilant. Never leave your child in the care of someone you do not know well or trust completely. Make sure your children know they can come to you with problems and that you will always keep them safe. Teach them that they have the right to say "no" to physical contact with others. And if you suspect a child has been abused, call the police. Or call Childline 1-800-932-0313. (You may remain anonymous.) For confidential victim counseling, call PAAR's Hotline 1-866-END-RAPE or visit www.paar.net.

Sensational cases of child abductions reported by national media justifiably cause public outrage. Where, however, is the outrage for the thousands of children abused each year in their own homes? Where are their advocates?

These children also need a voice. They deserve the carefree days of youth. Those of us whose voices can be heard must speak out and help protect our children, the most vulnerable among us.

Debra Todd is a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10125/1055499-109.stm#ixzz0nBK9q5Ss