Don't Let the Kids Down

As of September 9th we have seen the sentencing of Charles Pelts & Jonathon Kelly and the arrest of Justin Blankenbecler.

Pelts, of Marietta, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and lifetime probation for the receiving and distribution of child pornography. But don’t let the pictures fool you. He has a previous conviction from 2004 for aggravated child molestation.

Kelly, of Atlanta, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and 20 years on probation for the interstate transportation of a minor for prostitution. Both of these men will have to register with The Georgia Sex Offender Registry upon their release.

And then there is Justin Blankenbecler, the volleyball coach for Kell High School. On September 11th, he was arrested and charged, not yet convicted, of sexual assault against a student.

So why do I bring this up? Because in all three of these cases, these kids were not being protected. I do not claim to have any specific knowledge about these cases, but I have been working in prevention for over 8 years and I know for a fact that the adults in the lives of these youths let them down. Maybe you were one of these adults; if not for one of these kids, maybe one that you know.

One in 10 youths will be sexually abused by the age of 18. That figure represents physical contact acts only. Research shows that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be abused by their 18th birthday. That statistic incorporates a wide definition of abuse such as exposure to pornography and sexual solicitation.

There are signs to look for in victims, there are signs to spot in groomers, and there are questions to be asked of youth serving organizations. But for some reason protective measures were not taken. If you understand that this crime is preventable and you want to prevent it – learn more about it. Talk to your schools, advocacy centers, or take a training. Protecting kids from child sexual abuse is the responsibility adults.

For a child sexual abuse prevention training near you, go to www.d2l.org.