Discussion»Questions»Emotions» The crime of sexual abuse is evil enough no matter who the perp is. But it's so much worse when it's a priest/teacher/family member. Right?
The crime of sexual abuse is evil enough no matter who the perp is. But it's so much worse when it's a priest/teacher/family member. Right?
Are there different levels of evil? A deviant stranger assaulting someone versus a favorite uncle/teacher/priest. When someone you trust commits such a horrible betrayal it must be incredibly hurtful. I wonder how such victims ever trust again?
I don't know if I would say there are different levels to evil, per se, but I do agree that the added betrayal factor makes the crime much more heinous. ESPECIALLY as a child, but even as an adult. When the abuser is someone you know, it's not just the act itself that you have to contend with. It's an extra layer of shame, of guilt, and the entire betrayal. I imagine it would be much harder to grapple with the fact that your abuser is in your life and may always be in your life, depending on the situation. It's heartbreaking.
What makes it worse is that we trust these people to teach and protect our children when maybe we shouldn't. People don't want to believe it's true when the one being accused has been a trusted person and often will take their word over the child's. If you look up Australian Royal Commission you will see how many religions not only protect pedafilies, but they remain members in good standing. https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/Here is the link.
This post was edited by Lulu'sMom at June 30, 2017 3:11 AM MDT
Thank you for your thoughtful and helpful reply Lulu'sMom and the link you provided. That is unconscionable to me but isn't that what priests did for decades/centuries maybe? Move pedophiles around from place to place? Protect them at the expense of their victims? The protectors were even more evil in my opinion. The perps were sick. The protectors knew better which makes it infinitely worse. :( Happy Friday m'dear! :)
Thank you for your reply cp and Happy Friday to thee. I disagree with thee. Being betrayed like that by someone whom you know/love/trust versus a brand X predator stranger would be more hurtful to me personally. Different strokes.