Letter: Penn State should make us vigilant
Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno listens to a question during a news conference in State College, Pa. Credit: AP, 2008
I am floored and angered beyond belief that these esteemed men of Penn State University concealed horrific acts of abuse ["Penn State report," News, July 13].
Having been a victim of child molestation, I know the pain one goes through having to move beyond these horrible experiences. Shame on all these men and anyone who hides any indication of abuse. There are many confidential ways to disclose this information. Social services reports can be made anonymously.
I was too scared and embarrassed to tell my parents about a family friend's actions until I was a teenager, but I did stop the abuse early on, knowing from my mother's talks that it was not appropriate touching. All parents need to be hypervigilant about people around their children. As hard as it is to believe, an abuser is often a person you'd least suspect and know well.
I taught my children before age 3 about proper touching and stranger danger, as well as "friend" danger. As taboo as the subject is, we all have a responsibility to protect our children from abuse.
Karen Meadow, Massapequa
