Letter in Winona paper
Guys my letter was in Mondays Winona Daily paper. There are 2 colleges in town so hopefull;y it will get read by students. Later Tom
Don't hide in silence
By Tom Mahowald | Alma, Wis.
Society still responds to instances of child sexual abuse as if each were an exception from the way things are. We have failed to understand the enormity of this evil and how profoundly it affects the child. It doesn't matter if the perpetrator is a winning coach, an outstanding scoutmaster, an inspiring teacher, a great provider for your family, a beloved priest, a helpful neighbor, or a nurturing uncle; what they did was evil.
Be it the coercion of a young, naive child or in the form of violence, sexual abuse is the most elemental violation of one's humanity. Secrecy is the cement that holds the victim down and keeps him from seeking help. It allows sexual abuse of children to continue despite the presence of concerned family, friends and neighbors and the existence of child protective legislation. Most victims will remain hidden in silence, held there by guilt and shame; however, the child did nothing wrong, the evil was done unto him. The guilt and shame belongs to the perpetrator.
By ending the silence, we begin the healing and move from being a victim to becoming a survivor. Truth telling is the process through which we recover real power and free ourselves from the tyranny of the past. As survivors, the healing process can be a wild roller coaster ride as we purge the memories of the past abuse to navigate through the many stages of healing on the road to regaining our true life. A life which is no longer controlled by the effects of the sexual abuse.
It is important that all victims come forward, no matter how long ago the abuse took place, to be heard and join other survivors in the healing process. If all victims stand together as survivors, we can make changes that will protect today's children. Teach all the children to never hide in the silence.
There will be special prayers for all those affected by the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church abuse victims, faithful priests, bishops, and all the faithful during 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. Stanislaus Church, Winona. Members of area parishes are welcome to attend.
Don't hide in silence
By Tom Mahowald | Alma, Wis.
Society still responds to instances of child sexual abuse as if each were an exception from the way things are. We have failed to understand the enormity of this evil and how profoundly it affects the child. It doesn't matter if the perpetrator is a winning coach, an outstanding scoutmaster, an inspiring teacher, a great provider for your family, a beloved priest, a helpful neighbor, or a nurturing uncle; what they did was evil.
Be it the coercion of a young, naive child or in the form of violence, sexual abuse is the most elemental violation of one's humanity. Secrecy is the cement that holds the victim down and keeps him from seeking help. It allows sexual abuse of children to continue despite the presence of concerned family, friends and neighbors and the existence of child protective legislation. Most victims will remain hidden in silence, held there by guilt and shame; however, the child did nothing wrong, the evil was done unto him. The guilt and shame belongs to the perpetrator.
By ending the silence, we begin the healing and move from being a victim to becoming a survivor. Truth telling is the process through which we recover real power and free ourselves from the tyranny of the past. As survivors, the healing process can be a wild roller coaster ride as we purge the memories of the past abuse to navigate through the many stages of healing on the road to regaining our true life. A life which is no longer controlled by the effects of the sexual abuse.
It is important that all victims come forward, no matter how long ago the abuse took place, to be heard and join other survivors in the healing process. If all victims stand together as survivors, we can make changes that will protect today's children. Teach all the children to never hide in the silence.
There will be special prayers for all those affected by the clergy sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church abuse victims, faithful priests, bishops, and all the faithful during 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. Stanislaus Church, Winona. Members of area parishes are welcome to attend.
