Letters: We must not trivialize sexual abuse.

There’s been a lot of discussion regarding the recent “outbreak” of reported predatory sexual behavior recently. The fervor has risen to the extent that the actual definition of key terms has apparently evolved.

Anyway, maybe there’s room for one more viewpoint. I hope so. I think it’s necessary after reading Dave Robinson’s letter on Tuesday (“A survivor responds”). To begin with, I salute Robinson for coming forward with some remarks that I’m sure were painful recollections for him. His life experiences certainly grant him credibility in speaking about the impact of “sexual abuse.”

However, I think there is great danger when we “move the goalpost” when describing criminal activity. Said another way, when we redefine assault to include, as example, inappropriate touching of another’s hind end, we surely trivialize actual acts of assault. There is great danger in lumping all inappropriate acts into the category of sexual abuse. Here, I do not speak of what transpires in a court of law, but rather in the court of public opinion, where reputations and careers are ruined only through accusation.

As Robinson described them, I read with interest and sadness the psychological changes that occur when someone is a victim of traumatic sexual abuse. Let’s not assume that damage is incurred when, as with Sen. Al Franken’s accuser, someone is simply kissed without permission. Sexual abuse is serious. Let’s define it correctly and then prosecute with vigor. Linda Smith Casselberry