Sexual abuse victims, the time is ripe to speak

Widespread news coverage of those who have been sexually assaulted or abused is creating a space for a broader conversation. We need to let the less powerful speak. I am heartened that people are becoming more willing to listen, believe the accusers and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

As most who are knowledgeable about sexual assault know, it is driven by an abuse of power and control more than anything sexual. Where a power imbalance exists, there is the opportunity for the stronger individual to take advantage of the weaker. When immoral people use that advantage to assault or abuse, they should be punished. But it is difficult for the victims to speak out.

Powerful people — movie stars, Olympic athletes and congressional aides — have felt empowered to disclose the inappropriate and sometimes heinous behavior of their abusers. But what of the others — fast-food workers, waitresses or housekeepers — who have no power and limited knowledge of their rights and options to seek justice? We need to continue the momentum to build a world where victims can speak up to get help and put an end to the actions of what are most often serial abusers.

I was sexually abused by a grade-school teacher. While it took me 20 years to break my silence, it was powerful for me to out the man and get him removed from the classroom. Even though justice was quiet and the penalties were administrative more than punitive, it was tremendously healing for me. I encourage victims to continue to speak out and end the silence that enables these evil people to wreak damage on innocent lives.

I encourage our local and national media that when reporting these stories, they include information for readers and viewers about how they can seek assistance and pursue justice. BRUCE THOMPSON

North Side