Society's Silence, Trust, And The Sexual Abuse of Minors.

Sexual abuse of minors headlines the news a lot these days. And those of you who know that my book, “Unforgiving” deals with child abuse are probably wondering why I have avoided the subject in this blog.

Sexual abuse is a difficult subject.  The victims are often seen as somehow guilty and believe me, they nearly always feel guilty even though they know that is unreasonable in the circumstance.

Some people treat sexual abuse of a minor as insignificant—something both society and the victim should just shut up about, and let everyone get on with their lives.  Why?  I believe society asks this of the victim to save the perpetrator and everyone else in general, embarrassment and discomfort. 

     Much of this desire on the part of our society comes from the mistaken notion that sexual abuse is something that just happens. Something no one, including the perpetrator could possibly have foreseen.  A lapse in good judgement.

But a man accused of sexually molesting children told me this:  "Men like this will always choose the kind of vocation that suits their need. They will get jobs as teachers, coaches, or boy scout leaders--anything that puts them in close proximity to children."

 A lapse in judgement?  Or a carefully conceived and executed plan?