Earlier this month, we wrote about efforts in Pennsylvania to change statute-of-limitations laws in cases related to child sex abuse. The problem with current laws is that they are inconsistent with how victims commonly process their abuse. Memories of child sex abuse can be repressed for decades before victims begin having flashbacks. In other cases, […]
In early 2013, a Franciscan friar committed suicide in the Pennsylvania monastery where he had been living. The friar, a man named Stephen Baker, had been accused of sexually molesting dozens of children in several states, and the list of accusers was getting longer by the day. If he had acted alone, Baker’s suicide might […]
Our brains are hardwired to remember fear. This serves an important evolutionary purpose: We need to remember dangerous situations so we can avoid them later. For most people, this hardwiring is not a burden. But if you have experienced trauma – violence, war, sex abuse, a car accident – it can become etched in your […]
There is a term that is sometimes used in connection with allegations of child sex abuse. That term is “passing the trash.” When a teacher (or other school employee) is accused of abusing children, they should be turned over to police and publicly fired. Too often, however, the employer allows that employee to quietly resign […]
While few kids “love” getting up each morning to skidattle their way to school, most do enjoy the time that they get to spend with their friends each day. Sadly, however, this bonding time with friends each day doesn’t happen to every kid. In fact, as many of us know from our own school experiences, […]
As parents, there is nothing more important than ensuring that our children are healthy and safe. This responsibility is taken so seriously that our government has departments that oversee and investigate accusations and reports of child abuse and neglect. Over the past couple of years, the state of Pennsylvania has seen a lot of changes […]
There are few betrayals as painful and profoundly damaging as the treachery of a pastor who sexually abuses children. For some victims, the damage lasts a lifetime, causing them anxiety and depression, and diminishing their ability to trust people and to enjoy life. A man who might have escaped being held accountable for his actions […]
A story that recently appeared in news has several examples of issues we have previously discussed on this blog. It comes from interviews with legendary singer/songwriter Carly Simon, who is about to release a memoir. In her memoir, titled “Boys in the Trees,” Ms. Simon describes her very first sexual experiences, which occurred with a […]
When the Jerry Sandusky scandal became national news, Americans were naturally horrified and disgusted. But some who followed the Sandusky trial had far more visceral reactions, leading them to suddenly recall long-repressed memories. Many childhood sexual abuse survivors have said that the Sandusky news coverage triggered flashbacks that had been buried since childhood. Repression of memories […]
Earlier this summer, we wrote about a news story that sparked controversy, anger and a lot of public discussions. It involved the Duggar family, of the now-cancelled TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting.” The family’s wholesome image was tarnished by surfacing allegations that the eldest son Josh had molested five girls starting when he was […]