To the editor,
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I too was molested, in this case by a trusted uncle of my mother. They were so close she called him “Uncle Daddy.” The time he spent baby-sitting my younger sister and me, the money he gave us for birthdays and good grades were not the generous, loving actions of a doting uncle but a plot to endear him to the family and allow him access to us. I don’t mean to suggest that every family friend is a predator, but a little paranoia, and a bit more attention to who is with our children, would be a major step toward protecting them.
Last, I would like to mention the importance of recognizing the indirect signs a child will give when they are too afraid or confused to come forward. William K. told of an entire month when he refused to speak. This was certainly noticed by teachers and relatives, but they were unable to address his silence as a trauma response, probably because it was never even considered.
