The Real Issue Here – A Guest Post by Abbie Young

First of all, before I even begin – let me say I am no expert on this matter. I do have a mere 6 years of experience in the child welfare system, but most of all, to my credit, I am aware, something I have come to realize most of America is not – and I will explain exactly what I mean by “being aware.”

On November 4, 2011, Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State Assistant Football coach was charged with 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys, following a three-year investigation into allegations that he had inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old boy over the course of four years, beginning when the boy was ten years old. The boy’s parents reported the incident to police in 2009. A grand jury identified eight boys singled out for sexual advances or sexual assaults by Sandusky from 1994 through 2009. At least 20 of the incidents allegedly took place while Sandusky was still employed at Penn State.

These allegations sent a short-lived shock wave through not only Penn State, but also our country. People were shocked and horrified that events like these could take place and be swept under the rug. However, the sex crimes committed against these young boys was quickly overshadowed by what would happen to legendary coach, Joe Paterno, who did not take the appropriate measures in reporting these allegations to the authorities.

As I watched the press conference where the announcement was made regarding the firing of Joe Paterno and an hour of coverage that followed, I was mortified that Sandusky’s name was mentioned once…ONCE, and the victims of his crimes were not mentioned at all. Instead, the conversation on TV surrounded how Penn State would prepare for their football game on Saturday against Nebraska, the students rallying support of their beloved coach, and the future of Penn State football.

Certainly you can see what’s wrong with this picture. During the hour of commentary I watched, here are the facts that were presented:

One. (Paterno) On the list of all-time winning-est coaches in the FBS, No coach in the history of Division I college football has won as many games (409) as Paterno.

Five. Coach Paterno has led five Penn State teams to undefeated seasons.

Twenty-four. With 24 bowl victories, coach Paterno has won more postseason games than any other coach in history. He is also in the record books for having the most bowl appearances at 37.

Sixty-two. The number of seasons Paterno has been a coach at Penn State.

These are the number that were reported last night. I was sick. Angry. Disgusted. THESE ARE NOT THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER. Following are the numbers that should have been reported.

EIGHT. The number of boys (that we know of) who had their innocence stolen from them the moment Sandusky sexually abused them.

TEN: The age of the boy Sandusky allegedly sodomized in the shower.

TWENTY: The number of incidents that allegedly took place while Sandusky was employed at Penn State.

FORTY: The number of counts Sandusky has been charged with regarding sexual abuse allegations.

Coverage then switched to students gathering to protest against the firing of their beloved football coach. At this point, I began cursing the TV and my husband began wondering if finally the hormones had won out and I was going crazy.

Here is what saddens me. These boys’ lives were irrevocably changed by Jerry Sandusky. These boys were further traumatized by the fact that no one in a position of power cared enough about their well-being to take the proper measures in reporting the abuse, and they are still being traumatized today by our country’s misguided support of a football coach who played a hand in a blatant failure to protect innocent children. What message are we sending to not only these 8 victims, but all the victims of child abuse in our country?

Sadly, what has come to light in the wake of this situation at Penn State is a complete lack of awareness as to what really happens to children in OUR county on a daily basis. Make yourself aware because it is happening in your country, your state, your town, your neighborhood. If you think sexual abuse does not happen in your area – you are not aware.

Penn State had an amazing forum to take a national stand against child sex crimes. Instead, students are holding drunken riots in support of a football coach and news stations are reporting a completely misguided set of facts, ignoring the real issue here. Penn State may win their football game on Saturday – but answer me this – why do we live in a society that thinks this is more important than the abuse of innocent children?

Be someone that focuses on what really matters in the wake of these horrible allegations surrounding the events that took place at Penn State. There are things you can do and no act is too small. Here are a few ideas:

www.nationalcac.org
The National Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that provides training, prevention, and treatment services to fight child abuse and neglect. – Find your local chapter and volunteer.

www.casaforchildren.org/
A nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent environment free from abuse. – Find your local chapter and volunteer

www.d2l.org
Child sexual abuse information and statistics

Abbie Young is the former director for Lee County CASA and has worked with CASA throughout the country for over six years. She is also one of my BFF’s and a kick ass lady. Listen to her.