The Chaos at Penn State: Where is the Outrage for the Victims?

I am absolutely astounded by the behavior and comments I have seen transpiring from the allegations of the sexual abuse by the former defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions, Jerry Sandusky.  In the past few days, I have seen and heard everything from people calling into radio stations blaming the victims, to people posting on message boards down-playing the seriousness of child sexual abuse, to reading news articles about Penn State students destroying property on campus, overturning cars, and rioting to the point of student injury.  All of this is in response to the firing of head coach, Joe Paterno, because he did not take adequate action in reporting and preventing Sandusky, whom he knew was molesting little boys.  As someone who has several Penn State graduates in my family, I understand the unique passion there is for being a Penn State student and alumni.  For many, it is a part of their identity and they are proud of their Penn State ties and icons.  People need to understand that having 0 tolerance for child abuse, and letting it be known that it is wrong not to take the right measures toward preventing and stopping child abuse, has nothing to do with saying Penn State is not a good school.  It is about doing what's right.  People who take pride in their alma mater should not make the mistake of being apathetic or apologetic toward the abuse of children.

Sandusky has been brought up on multiple charges of the abuse, molestation, and rape of young, male victims.  Prosecutors state he was a predator of the children served through his charity, The Second Mile.  He was also the foster and adoptive father of six children.

My good friend, Andrea Evans, who is an MSW and certified expert on child sexual abuse in the state of Pennsylvania had this to say:

"Having worked with Pedophiles for more than a decade, they usually target children with a poor family structure where the parents would be relieved to have some helpful mentoring from another adult. They seem to have the child's best interest in mind and are usually able to gain trust easily through their initial actions. A victim is unlikely to tell right away for to many reasons to list. There are resources available to educate you self and your family."

Andrea has used and recommends the Family Support Line to educate churches and schools on these issues.  Sandusky's victims were children seeking support from his charity, a charity that serves at-risk youth, including foster kids.  The sexual abuse of child victims is under-reported; it is said that the sexual abuse of minors actually occurs 3 to 4 times more than the amount of instances it gets documented and reported. Parents and caregivers teach children to stay away from strangers, and for good reason, but none should forget that sexual abuse is often perpetrated by those close to the family, those who are not strangers.

For the past several days, I have listened to my husband, a Penn State grad, angrily denounce the apathy toward Sandusky's child serial rape and the firing of those who failed to adequately report and see to it that the abuse stopped.  I share his anger and frustration; how does something like this happen?  How does someone like this get approved to adopt, let alone have his actions be known to colleagues who do nothing to stop him?  And why are people rioting in the streets over a fired sports hero and not out of advocacy for all of those innocent victims who not only were abused but were victims of the indifference of adults who failed to report, failed to follow-up, and who looked the other way while the rape of 10 year old boys was happening on their door step?!  I wanted to take this opportunity on my blog to show some respect for the young people who have been victimized, my outrage is for them.