Public Service Announcement

Hello, friends. I'd like to make a public service announcement, so bear with me.

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, more sexual abuse/harassment allegations have come to light this week. I have no inside knowledge of any of these allegations, obviously, but I want to make something clear: just because something seems to be announced at a convenient time doesn't mean it's not true. It also doesn't mean that it is true. The important thing to remember here is that the majority of sexual assault cases go unreported. Approximately two out of every three victims don't report the crimes committed against them, and every time a victim comes forward and we accuse him or her of lying, another victim decides not to say anything, because they assume they won't be believed.

Some people lie about being assaulted. Far more people don't tell anyone, and their abusers have more opportunities to abuse other people. So no matter what the circumstances may look like, it's vital for us to give everyone who comes forward a fair hearing and a chance at justice.

This has become more personal for me in the past several years, first because of my short-lived position at a residential treatment center, then because of my involvement with the Children's Home Society in Tallahassee, and most recently, because of my vocation as a foster parent. In each of these situations I have encountered young people who have been abused. I can only imagine what the consequences would have been had those young people come forward with their stories and been shut down.

I suppose my point is this: don't assume, and show compassion.