|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
Dear editor,
For many, the sentencing of Jerry Sandusky for his sexual abuse of 10 boys over 15 years can’t come soon enough.
Sandusky’s abuse and Penn State’s initial response has been a painful reminder of ways in which adults and organizations fail to protect our children. The unprecedented NCAA sanctions against Penn State and the more general condemnation of some of college’s “over the top, win at any cost” culture of sports has been an eye opener. Our surprise has not been that this culture exists, but with the fact that it can compromise the safety of our children.
For all that is disturbing about this case and all those that have been harmed, there is potential for good to come from twhat we have learned.
Estimates suggest that each day millions of youth participate in activities that could be made safer by prevention activities. ALL organizations working with children would benefit from stronger screening policies, and greater efforts to empower staff to keep youth safety on the forefront. The Sandusky case also reminds us that we need to do more to educate parents and the public about the everyday role that they can play in creating safer environments for children.
The real tragedy of the Sandusky case will be measured by how we respond to this tragedy. Child sexual abuse is preventable. Take time today to find out what you can do in your community to make the world safer for all of our children.
Sandy Morris
Executive Director
Children’s Advocacy Center
Dear editor,
For many, the sentencing of Jerry Sandusky for his sexual abuse of 10 boys over 15 years can’t come soon enough.
Sandusky’s abuse and Penn State’s initial response has been a painful reminder of ways in which adults and organizations fail to protect our children. The unprecedented NCAA sanctions against Penn State and the more general condemnation of some of college’s “over the top, win at any cost” culture of sports has been an eye opener. Our surprise has not been that this culture exists, but with the fact that it can compromise the safety of our children.
For all that is disturbing about this case and all those that have been harmed, there is potential for good to come from twhat we have learned.
Estimates suggest that each day millions of youth participate in activities that could be made safer by prevention activities. ALL organizations working with children would benefit from stronger screening policies, and greater efforts to empower staff to keep youth safety on the forefront. The Sandusky case also reminds us that we need to do more to educate parents and the public about the everyday role that they can play in creating safer environments for children.
The real tragedy of the Sandusky case will be measured by how we respond to this tragedy. Child sexual abuse is preventable. Take time today to find out what you can do in your community to make the world safer for all of our children.
Sandy Morris
Executive Director
Children’s Advocacy Center
