Speak up about abuse

Speak up about abuse

EDITOR:

Credit should go to the brave survivor who came forward about the sex abuse by Fr. Thomas Crum. This is not an easy thing for a victim of clergy abuse to do. Now kids will be safer, and others may have courage to come forward, get help, and contact law enforcement.

When victims and witnesses speak up, at least there’s a chance for healing, justice and prevention. But when victims stay silent, kids keep getting hurt, predators keep assaulting others, and those who’ve been wounded stay trapped in shame, silence and self-blame.

JUDY JONES

Marthasville, Mo.

X The writer is director for Southeastern Ohio of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.