A 'fishing expedition' in Sandusky case

Dear Editor:

With Jerry Sandusky's criminal trial approaching, we felt it necessary to speak out about the "fishing expedition" being conducted by Sandusky's attorney Joe Amendola. Amendola's actions by issuing subpoenas to find documentation about the alleged victims' backgrounds, such as behavioral issues, mental health problems, arrest records and drug or alcohol use are means in which to intimidate current and future victims from coming forward. The information contained in these records is protected by state and federal privacy acts and are not relevant to this case.

Amendola's questioning of victim credibility directs the attention of the media and public to the boys' personal histories rather than focusing on Sandusky's alleged abuse. This victim-blaming tactic relies on the public to focus on victim behaviors and distracts from the actions of the offender.

Amendola is wagering that the public's understanding of the horrible nature of child sexual abuse does not extend to victims who have a complex personal history or any signs of an imperfect past. Misconceptions about abuse, trauma and victimization are often used in defense of offenders, and in this case, the goal is to get Sandusky acquitted on these charges.

Judging and labeling of victims is always problematic, but it is important to take this opportunity to better understand why offenders often target victims with vulnerabilities to exploit. Offenders might purposefully select victims with characteristics the public might be willing to judge harshly. While factors like family structures and difficulties in school never excuse an act of abuse, offenders target those who could be viewed with skepticism when they report abuse or easily be labeled because of "issues."

Research shows that sexual victimization and other traumatic life experiences are highly correlated with negative life outcomes. The unfortunate nature of sexual trauma is that it affects all areas of an individual's life. While this struggle can be used to misinform, understanding this reality also can better equip us to protect children and prevent sexual violence.

The reality is one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old, and in nearly 93 percent of cases the perpetrator is known by the victim. Frequently, the perpetrator is also known and trusted by the victim's family and community; in fact, the perpetrator can be a member of the family.

Child sexual abuse is not "horse play," misunderstanding or miscommunication. It is abuse, secrecy and harm. It is deliberate penetration of the vagina, mouth or anus of a child. It is touching the sexual parts of a child, and showing the genitals of an adult to a child. It is not a one-time, test-it-out occurrence, but a pattern of behavior that is repeated over and over and over again until there is an intervention. It's time we stop it.

It is important to support fair and just trials. The facts in sexual assault cases should be presented, and the court should be given all the tools needed to make an informed decision. It is one of the reasons that advocates form SARCC support expert witness testimony in sexual abuse cases in Pennsylvania.

It is time we stop excusing offender behaviors and acquitting criminals because of misplaced blame. It's time we prevent it. To protect communities and children from sexual abuse, we must learn the facts and educate ourselves. This includes learning to recognize signs of "grooming," the process used by sex offenders to gain trust and access to the people they want to abuse.

In addition, it is important to have open communication and recognize, respond and report sexual violence. SARCC works daily to educate the public on sexual violence, including child sexual abuse, warning signs and what to do if child sexual abuse is suspected. To learn more about SARCC and how you can help go to www.sarcclebanon.org. or www.sarccschuylkill.org

Jenny Murphy-Shifflet

President/CEO of the Sexual Assault Resource

and Counseling Center

Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties