There are stories aplenty of adults who sexually abuse children. We have the case of a Big Island man who has pleaded guilty to appearing in a sex video with two children under the age of 10.
A new story has emerged of a Wailuku man who has been accused of sexually abusing a young girl for over five years. And, just yesterday, a Pearl City man has been arrested for appearing in a sex video
With a young boy and possessing a myriad of pornographic images. Frankly, I’m ready to heave at the recounting of these despicable acts. And, yes, I do include the heinous crimes perpetrated by priests and others in positions of power over youngsters.
It’s a double indignity to hear advocates for the perpetrators fight so stridently to call for treatment and reintegration into our community. Often lost in this quest is the victim. And, rarely is there a contemplation of what these boys and girls have had to endure. It would serve us well, as disturbing as it may be, to take a moment and truly consider the hellish experiences of the victims of these and other dastardly acts. Although perpetrators, rather predators, may face some prison time upon their conviction, their victims are issued a life sentence of fear, loathing, self-destructive behavior and a litany of other issues that nobody would ever want to experience.
I am hopeful that someday, we as a society will shift our care and concern from the violator and elevate the needs of those violated. In plain words, those who commit these crimes should be separated from our society with zero opportunity to have access to the young and vulnerable again. Why? Because their crimes are so reprehensible that the only forgiveness they should seek is from the Lord himself. Too harsh? Then don’t prey on children.