My thoughts after hearing a verdict had been reached in the Sandusky sex abuse trial were all over the place for many reasons. I wanted to shout to the world, “Stop, listen and hear what has happened.” I literally wanted every household in America to stop what they were doing and pay attention to a TV News report, more than any other in history.
When the verdict was reported I was sad and happy. I felt pain for the victims, who like me, had somehow managed to survive and find courage to testify in a court of law. My case never went to trial but believe me, I had to tell what had happened more than once and the burden of proof was always at the forefront. As I watched channel after channel, part of me wanted to break the silence I still hold, with the exception of what I have shared here. I wanted to contact certain people who still hold my abuser in high regard. Those who do not know the truth. Instead, my thoughts immediately turned to the young man who first reported his abuse in 1998. I wanted to go to PA and hug him until his tears stopped.
Yesterday I found myself wanting to write about it, but I couldn’t find the right words to begin. I kept telling myself I have to let it go. I have to keep moving forward, forget, and continue to hope the best for all suvivors.
Then this afternoon, I read a blog post by Carol Baker. Thanks to her, I found a few words to write. I encourage all of you to read her blog, especially paragraphs seven and eight. And to the question what did his wife know? How can she not know this was true?How can someone be so blind to the truth?
I am a survivor and also a mother of an abused child living in New Zealand. After our ordeal I felt the need to address the pain mothers go through from such a disclosure.
My Book THE BROKEN ROAD IS NOW AVAILABLE and I hope other mothers will find a measure of comfort knowing they are not alone.
THE BROKEN ROAD by Paige Walker is a moving story of a mother’s strength and courage as she dealt with the betrayal, anger and trauma from the sexual abuse of her daughter at the hands of her best friend’s husband. It moves through the emotional journey of her need to seek revenge and justice but instead found acceptance and forgiveness of her daughter’s perpetrator.
Includes a detailed list of organisations affiliated with child sexual abuse for easy access and help.
RECOMMENDED READ FOR ANYONE AFFECTED BY SEXUAL ABUSE, PLEASE FORWARD THIS LINK TO ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO HELP STAMP OUT SEXUAL ABUSE OF OUR CHILDREN.
http://www.xlibris.co.nz/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=70009696
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.THEBROKENROADbook.com
Well done, Beth. I am making you, Carol, and other survivors a promise. If I ever see, or suspect, or am told about sex abuse, I will take the situation seriously and will take action. That is what I can offer you, my promise to be a location of trust and safety for any child who needs me to be.
That is the most beautiful promise I have read in years. That is all any child could ask for.
Thank you, Christina.
Beth… I’m a survivor too. We’re all connected. Good for you, my dear. Good for you. When you’re ready to tell your story, I’ll listen.
Thank you. Someday I will be able to. The legal chains (“Gag Order”) will finally fall away. Thank you for sharing and caring about the world.
“Beth”
PS: You shall be one of the first.