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The Forum > Article Comments > Breaking the code of silence > Comments

Breaking the code of silence : Comments

By Sophie Love, published 24/10/2012

Sexual assault pervades all barriers of class, race, religion, fame and fortune.

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Thank you. Like too many other children I am one of those '1 in 5'. I know how pervasive the effects are, and how they can and do taint every aspect of life. The sooner we can break the silence and wake society up to the true nature or those who sexually abuse children the better.
Posted by Carz, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 8:07:06 AM
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[Deleted. Almost completely off-topic.]
Posted by Peter Lang, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 9:04:21 AM
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Sophie,

Let me preface this by extending my sympathies to you, Carz and any others who have been subjected to sexual abuse.

That said, your impassioned plea in the final paragraph - that extra vigilance and support will lead to a lessening and, hopefully, a cessation of such proclivities - is naïve.

Adults have been abusing children (sexually and otherwise) since time immemorial. While we, as a society, have undoubtedly come a long way in outlawing such activities, you will never stop what is, essentially, an illness, an addiction and a desire to exert power over other, weaker people. Just as 40-a-day smokers will prevail, and alcoholics, drug addicts, murderers and rapists will prevail, so too will those who sexually assault others. Human nature being what it is, and modern society (with the aid of technology) happily skipping along the path of voyeurism and overt sexual and violent behaviour, you have more chance of stopping a fast moving train with a lasso.

Instead, we should be investigating why such tendencies exist, why they seem to be more prevalent – like depression, suicide, violence, murder, rape, domestic abuse. Is it merely a question of more people = more incidents, or is it a symptom of a disillusioned, desperate society?

@ Peter Lang:

While I am lost in admiration at your faster-than-a-speeding-bullet opportunistic post, trotting out anti-female sentiment (especially in the light of current events), I have to ask: did you actually read the article?
Posted by scribbler, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 9:53:54 AM
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[Deleted. Off topic.]
Posted by 579, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 12:06:06 PM
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Thank you very much Ms Sophie LOVE, for your outstanding piece. And your preparedness to share those loathsome and despicable events that were occasioned against you as a child, those 44 years ago.

** There are times when I feel absolutely ashamed to be a male ! This is just one of those times **.

Hi there SCRIBBLER...

I couldn't have expressed myself anywhere as well as you have. I reckon this dreadful crime has been around since the year dot. How does society deal with it ? Protect the most vulnerable people in society ?

I'm a retired Detective. I've heard and seen all the usual remedies, of how we should deal with these appalling criminals '...when they hit boob, put the 'dog' on 'em...' '...Give 'em a good flogging before they're conveyed out to the 'Bay'...! Etc etc etc.

Frankly, I personally don't know. It would appear prima facie, neither do all the 'experts', the Courts, or Government(s). In fact, neither do all the other folk, who have some insight into this dreadful indictment on a 'modern' society.

Something I do know, we've got to find an answer, and find it quickly. Our precious children demand it of us, in this 'so called' enlightened society of ours.

Heavier punishment...even capital punishment ? Interestingly, the old offence 'Rape', was classed as a 'capital offence'. Yet our children, are they not 'RAPED' ? Sure, I know the criminal proofs necessary for that offence, but young children can't furnish an informed 'consent' even if they do 'mutter' a yes.

I don't know, I really don't ?
Posted by o sung wu, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 2:53:05 PM
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It always makes me sad to hear of someone having been abused as a child.

It also makes me really sad to know that there is a perception that a code of silence remains. It's not something that has any currency as an idea in any of the worlds I am involved in.

And neither should it anywhere. And ok, I am sensitive to the fact that false allegations are made occasionally, by abusive people, or by irreflexive, disordered people - and perhaps this is what we really need to guard against, in order that we can have confidence in the un-false allegations that are made.

Just remember, Jane or anyone else in this position: you know the abuse happened. Why would you feel you have any investment in the approval of those who don't believe you? If these people command your respect, then think hard about whether they really deserve it. And do what you know is right. if nothing else, it will at least let you know with absolute certainty who your real friends are.

Take care.
Posted by Sam Jandwich, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 4:16:07 PM
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and the 'legal' porn industry that gives predators the appetite? Better to stay in denial and allow people (perverts) to have their 'freedom'.
Posted by runner, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 8:23:06 PM
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An interesting article on misperceptions about child sex offenders at http://www.aic.gov.au/en/publications/current%20series/tandi/421-440/tandi429.aspx

It is a tough issue to deal with.

R0bert
Posted by R0bert, Wednesday, 24 October 2012 9:11:30 PM
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There is a code of silence. It is a difficult thing to expose yourself to the rigours of public scrutiny which involve:

- facing your abuser in Court (there are some justice systems who now use in-camera (?) evidence for children)
- being abused all over again by the Court system who while assuming the perpetrator is innocent until proven guilty, the victims are sometimes treated as suspect or as suspects (more in the case of adult survivors of child abuse)
- fear of not being believed, particularly if the perpetrator is a high profile person like Saville

Breaking the code of silence is not easy and it should not be forced. Many people deal with abuse in different ways as much as we would all like to see these pond dwellers punished. Mandatory reporting is important and hopefully after the Victorian Inquiry, even the Catholic Church will be required to report allegations of child abuse.
Posted by pelican, Thursday, 25 October 2012 1:04:57 PM
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