Dear Editor:
Penn State, with its high academic standards, top university ranking and praised athletic department, couldnt get it right. Academic leadership, athletic ideals and institution integrity were not enough for one person to raise his voice to protect a child? Why did no one make that call?
The fact is most children are harmed by someone they know or trust. They are harmed in ways that are hard to imagine and even harder to speak of. In the aftermath of abuse, children are left both hurt and abandoned. Imagine the double whammy of being victimized by one person and betrayed by another who did nothing to help. A child is left wondering, If adults wont protect me, who can or who will? The sad truth is most people dont make that call. If Penn State points out anything, its that even the best often dont end up making that call.
A 2008 study commissioned on the bystander effect in child abuse cases found that people dont report child abuse because they dont know the signs, are uncertain about reporting and are afraid of the consequences. Despite their personal experiences and overwhelming concern, many Americans simply do not get involved or contact authorities.
I guess we should not be surprised that institutions, even the best ones, can turn a blind eye as readily as the rest of us. Theres always a policy or a practice or an unwritten rule we can hide behind. We can pass it on to someone or come up with a hundred reasons why its not in our or the institutions best interest. Maybe institutions make it easier for brave men to do nothing?
As discouraging as all this sounds, it really isnt that hard to protect a child. We can demystify this. We can teach people the signs. We can help average people and institutions feel safe and supported in picking up the phone or telling someone.
Is it really too much to ask adults to make that phone call? Cant we at least try to be somewhat as brave as the children are?
Rose Jergens
The NEST Child Advocacy Center
Cortez
Via e-mail