students deserve safe schools
Growing up, I had teachers that I loved. They taught me great lessons, both academically and in life. I had teachers who inspired learning, creativity and growth. I still carry those lessons with me to this day. I think that’s why it is so very difficult for me to read the news stories about teachers committing sexual violence against students. As a community member, I am disgusted. As a parent raising my own kids, I am scared. As a professional working to end sexual violence, there are three things I want people to know.
First, I want people to know that the vast majority of people in this world will never commit sexual violence. It is a crime that most of us agree should never happen. A small minority commit most of this violence and abuse. Believe me when I say that they commit a lot of it. In any given classroom of 25 children, five will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. The stakes are real, but there is good news. This also means that if the majority of us work together and make a commitment to end violence, we will win this fight. If you’re not sure how to identify signs of sexual abuse, grooming behaviors or what to do to stop them, SARCC can help. Bring a Parents in the Know Training to your church, school or community group. The training is free, and your kids deserve it.
Second, I want people to know how important it is to listen to and believe survivors. It takes unbelievable courage to talk about an experience of sexual violence. People who commit it use shame, guilt, threats, coercion and manipulation to try to keep survivors from talking about it. Imagine the pain you could cause if someone overcomes all of this, only to have their brave story discounted, questioned or swept aside. If a child you know tells you about sexual abuse, thank them for telling you, listen carefully and take action to help secure their safety. Any community member can report suspected abuse to ChildLine 800-932-0313. If you’re not sure what to do, you can call the SARCC Support Line at 570-628-2965 and a trained counselor can talk you through your options.
Finally, I want people to know that sexual violence is preventable. If you’re not sure how to identify signs of sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, or what to do to stop them, please know that SARCC can help. Bring a Parents in the Know Training to your church, school or community group. The training is free, and your kids deserve it. If you’re another professional, request a Mandated Reporter Training and learn the signs of abuse, the long-term impacts, and when you are empowered to make a report on behalf of a child’s safety. We all have a role to play in the prevention of child sexual abuse, and I for one am tired of being sickened by the headlines. Children deserve to be safe. Is that so much to ask?
Ali Mailen Perrotto
SARCC of Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties
Comments
Why do those of good stature and will remain silent in the face of evil?
Growing up, we had a pedophile serving as Boy Scout Master, school teachers moving to the left, and a Pastor who was... well... let's leave that one alone.
The problem isn't what our society has morphed in to, it's why.
We are a very intelligent, educated, and wise society, but, we tossed aside Godly Wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:25 "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
You see folks, in man's selfishness, we think we've got it covered. Only with God, will we have success. We've has all but kicked God out, certainly in the Public Schools!
Our Public School System is a testimony to this.
1 Corinthians 1:19 For the message of the cross is foolishness... it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Our intellects in education have become frustrated and failing.
Do your background checks, they'll help, but only God knows the heart of man. Perhaps we as a Nation should get back to asking God.
All it takes for evil to thrive is for people of goodwill to keep silent. When you see something, say something first to God, he'll likely direct your ways from there. Thank you for your letter.
Though this has little to do with the original intent of my comment, here goes.
James Tillman and John Jalsevac wrote a piece in April (LifeSiteNews.com).
"a casual reader might be forgiven for thinking that Catholic priests are the worst and most common perpetrators of child sex abuse."
But according to Charol Shakeshaft, the researcher of a little-remembered 2004 study prepared for the U.S. Department of Education, "the physical sexual abuse of students in schools is likely more than 100 times the abuse by priests."
OR...
Department of Education under Bush Two, found that: "More than 4.5 million students were victims of sexual misconduct by teachers and other school officials in the past decade.... The students ranged from kindergarten to 12th grade and made up one-tenth of all children to pass through public schools in the decade surveyed."
After effectively disappearing from the radar, Shakeshaft’s study is now being revisited by commentators seeking to restore a sense of proportion to the mainstream coverage of the Church scandal.
According to the 2004 study “the most accurate data available at this time” indicates that “nearly 9.6 percent of students are targets of educator sexual misconduct sometime during their school career.”
Hey Joe... stay out of the casinos, and away from schools too.
Why would you appear to take delight in the notion of the church falling?
Of what spirit is that Joe? Do you join AOC in mocking the notion of thoughts and prayers too?
Just curious, that's all.
Oh, I cited my argument above. And... Just today there's a story of 13-year-old Tamaqua boy and a former music teacher. How's that for a nothing argument Joe?
Good day Joe