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June 20, 2005
Sexual abuse and Michael Jackson
Look around. One in three females you see and one in seven males you encounter in any place, on any given day, has been molested before they reached age 18, according to the Department of Justice. It’s obvious child molestation hits far too hard, and far too often, well beyond the courtroom drama played out in Michael Jackson`s case in Santa Monica.
Jackson has been found not guilty, and the public should most certainly accept the verdict of the jurors - who heard weeks of testimony and then deliberated for days. Nonetheless, it`s easier to believe this ugly crime only happens to others - the wealthy, the poor, those not paying attention, those overly protective. But sexual abuse happens in homes, at friend`s houses, at schools, in church. Neighbors, family members and friends are the offenders, and they most likely will never see a day in court, or even have charges pressed against them. Their predatory actions depend - indeed thrive - on silence.
The average pedophile, according to the Amber Center for Missing and Exploited children, molests between 30 and 60 children before being arrested the first time and molests between 360-380 children in his/her lifetime. These numbers shock and disgust, but they do not lie. For this reason, it`s incumbent upon parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children, to be aggressive and protective of them. And outside adults must take action if something seems amiss in homes.
The American public watched the Jackson trial as a voyeuristic venue, presenting a behind-the-scenes workings of a bizarre lifestyle. But the true faces of childhood sexual abuse are not so far away. Just look around. And pledge to say something the next time something doesn`t seem right for a child.
Posted by Nealus at June 20, 2005 10:29 AM
Comments
I'd be very careful of quoting the figures you have. They are way too high, peadophiles do not have that many victims. Intrafamil especially, usually only one or two, its way too risky for them, and they fear being caught. I speak as one who has studied these offenders extensivley.
Posted by: Michelle at June 22, 2005 06:40 AM
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