The child abuse scandal at Penn State has dominated the news for the last couple days. Normally I choose not to post about ugly news - there are too many good and important things to focus on.
But sadly, child abuse has an impact on many families. I have more than one friend whose child has been sexually abused by a trusted family associate.
As Moms, we need to be aware. So, here is a little about the Penn State tragedy. The next post will be about some of the things we can do to prepare and protect our children against abusers...
Joe Paterno is a college football icon, a legendary hero in many minds and hearts. But new evidence shows that he neglected to adequately follow through when he discovered that his assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, was found sexually abusing an 11 year-old boy in the showers of the Penn State locker room.
Although Coach Paterno reported the abuse to his superiors at Penn State, many say he could have, and should have, done more. He did what was legally required, “but somebody has to question about what I would consider the moral requirements for a human being that knows of sexual things that are taking place with a child,” state police Commissioner Frank Noonan said in a press conference Monday. He continued, “I think you have the moral responsibility.”
Sandusky retired in 1999, but he continued to use the school’s facilities, supposedly for his work with at-risk kids. He used his reputation, and access to Penn State, to abuse many others. So far, 17 boys have reported Sandusky abused them.
It’s impossible to express the pain and shame that may have been inflicted on these boys. In the words of Coach Paterno, “This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
Click here to read the results of the Grand Jury Investigation. (The investigation is disturbing, and normally wouldn't be posted here. But Sandusky's tactics are typical among abusers and show how a trusted adult can seduce and trap kids if they aren't aware. As Moms, we need to be informed and teach our kids in a way that prepares them without alarming them.)
Joe Paterno and Doing the Right Thing
November 14, 2011
