As if the poisonous and infuriating tales of Harvey Weinstein’s victim’s were not enough, Howard County is having some reminders that criminal sexual behavior can come much closer to home.
Police: Girl Scouts leader in Ellicott City arrested on child porn charges.
HopeWorks rolls out advanced human trafficking survivor services.
Sexual abuse, assault, harassment, human trafficking. It’s a mistake to think of these purely in sexual terms. They are all examples of an abuse of power. Those with the upper hand manipulating and overpowering the weak. These are crimes that perpetuate the dominance of one group over others.
Survivors of sexual abuse are forever changed. They carry within them the damage of their violation. That damage is often compounded by people who don’t believe their story.
“He’s really a nice guy.”
“Why are you making this into such a big deal?”
“What were you wearing?”
It’s clear to me that serious change in our culture won’t happen unless witnesses of questionable behavior start jumping in every time to protest, object, step up to protect someone in danger. It’s not enough to be a good person who doesn’t participate in abuse. We need to take it upon ourselves to actively stop it.
“That’s not funny.”
“She doesn’t like what you are doing.”
“You can sit with us.”
“Do you want me to call you a cab?”
Law enforcement officers have a job. Groups like HopeWorks have taken on a mission. What about us?
Police: Girl Scouts leader in Ellicott City arrested on child porn charges.
HopeWorks rolls out advanced human trafficking survivor services.
Sexual abuse, assault, harassment, human trafficking. It’s a mistake to think of these purely in sexual terms. They are all examples of an abuse of power. Those with the upper hand manipulating and overpowering the weak. These are crimes that perpetuate the dominance of one group over others.
Survivors of sexual abuse are forever changed. They carry within them the damage of their violation. That damage is often compounded by people who don’t believe their story.
“He’s really a nice guy.”
“Why are you making this into such a big deal?”
“What were you wearing?”
It’s clear to me that serious change in our culture won’t happen unless witnesses of questionable behavior start jumping in every time to protest, object, step up to protect someone in danger. It’s not enough to be a good person who doesn’t participate in abuse. We need to take it upon ourselves to actively stop it.
“That’s not funny.”
“She doesn’t like what you are doing.”
“You can sit with us.”
“Do you want me to call you a cab?”
Law enforcement officers have a job. Groups like HopeWorks have taken on a mission. What about us?
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