Former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky has been accused of indecent assault on a 15-year-old boy over a four year period, along with several other counts of sex crimes. According to statements in the indictment, an assistant coach witnessed one these events and internal staff reports escalated into what can only be described as appalling, head-in-the-sand decisions at the University that allowed the crimes to continue.
Unfortunately, this case of child sexual abuse underscores the failure of our society and its leaders to confront this horrific crime and take strong steps to prevent any child from being a victim in the future. Protecting our children from harm is an adult responsibility, and perhaps the single most important job – not just for parents but for all adults in our society. In this case, many adults at Penn State failed horribly in that most fundamental responsibility. Tragically, their fear and inability to act resulted in more children being abused.
Child sexual abuse can be prevented – by educating parents and other adults in the community about the true facts and giving them the tools they need to protect our children. At Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, we are working in partnership with leaders from every part of the State to develop stronger strategies to prevent child sexual abuse before it ever happens. We are working with broad coalitions from three New Jersey communities to spread the word about effective prevention policies and practices and engage as many citizens as possible in the cause of prevention. We have seen ENOUGH ABUSE and it is time we take the steps NOW to stop it.
Find out what you can do to prevent child sexual abuse by contacting us at 1-800-CHILDREN, or visit us online at www.preventchildabusenj.org.