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We’re Horrified. Now what are we going to do about it?

Posted by Xtreme Dream Team on Dec 12, 2011 in Blog | 3 comments

As horrified and shock as we are by the Penn State Sandusky scandal, we must realize that sex abuse of children and young people is a full blown epidemic in our culture. What are we going to do about it? New laws and new procedures to monitor adults around children? How can we combat this epidemic? What do you think?

3 Comments

Angela Kondrak December 12, 2011

We will combat this epidemic when we are willing to address what it is that makes some young people more vulnerable than others to sexual abuse and sexual interference. The sexual predator chooses his quarry, preying on his victim’s natural interest in sexuality and pleasure. If a young person’s emotional needs are acknowledged and being met in a safe and healthy home, he or she is less likely to be vulnerable to the emotional grooming(kind words, praise, special outings, privileges) that proceeds abuse. Providing food, clothing and shelter is only the beginning of parenting. Talking about healthy sexuality in an age/maturity-appropriate way provides a sound base of accurate information with which to counter the predator’s distortions and outright lies. Taking seriously a child’s feelings instills in her/him the confidence to trust his/her own emotional compass and perhaps have a chance of escaping being manipulated and exploited.

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rhea December 13, 2011

I am thrilled to see you make this statement. It’s about time we, as a society, take sexual abuse and rape seriously. Enough!!!

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Jeanne December 13, 2011

Please take a look at Project unbreakable. I am a participant and a fan. It’s a helpful, important project.

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