Letter to the Editor: All Eyes Are on Sandusky Trial

Dear Editor:

The Jerry Sandusky case is coming to trial and we will soon see how the process plays out in this situation.

For some reason, this particular story has captured the attention of the public in a way that few others have. Is it because well-known people are involved? Is it because of the association with a prestigious University that prides itself on integrity? Is it because of the connection with a respected charity whose founder may have had ulterior motives for serving disadvantaged children? Is it because there was an apparent eye witness to one of the events?

Whatever the reasons – the scrutiny is welcome. Far too many children are sexually abused every day and most of them do not get their day in court.

Hopefully some positive things will come from this painful set of circumstances – maybe more victims will feel safe enough to come forward; maybe even some people who have abused children, or are thinking of hurting a child will have the courage to seek help; maybe organizations who work with children will strengthen their safety policies and procedures; maybe more individuals will be proactive and learn how to prevent such a crime; and maybe some of us will act more quickly and more decisively when we suspect that something may not be right.

If any of those things happen, then something positive will have come from this tragedy – I know that I am going to begin to be more active and support activities that work toward a safer community.

Sincerely,
Kim
Kim Cunninghis
kgcunninghis@comcast.net

For additional resources, visit the following websites:
www.D2L.org Darkness toLight
www.atsa.com The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers
www.nsvrc.org The National Sexual Violence Resource Center
www.preventtogether.org The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation