sarah serluco: my blog

The social issue being addressed in HB 771 is currently there is not enough time provided to survivors of sexual abuse to be able to bring a civil case against their abuser. This is at the core of the NASW code of ethics. We must protect those who are in need and provide them with the tools to better their lives. We must also challenge social injustice by providing those effected with more time to come forward. By providing them an outlet of empowerment we can enhance their self worth and assist in creating people who can better contribute to society as a whole. We must also work on prevention which is an important element in our future practice. Even the Catholic Church has attempted to take some necessary steps to eliminate child sexual abuse. They have recognized that many who are entering the priesthood are vulnerable. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice see the reduction of abuse to happen in five steps. 1. Increase the effort to make it harder for priests to commit acts of abuse. They do this through training programs. 2. Increase the risks. Make the consequences and harsh and quick. 3. Reduce rewards, reduce isolation. Keeping them from developing inappropriate bonds. 4. Reduce provocations. Stress levels at their job has been shown to lead to bad behavior. 5. Remove excuses. They send out letters to all priests asserting that this is not acceptable practice and undermines the church’s message. (Terry & Freilich 2012)

I am not in favor of HB 771 as it reads today. I believe too much politics is at play and not enough interest in helping people in need. I don’t believe in the philosophy of “give a little take a little” which seems to be what all lawmakers do. I think that the special interest groups have power over the politicians. I see that the more you stay in office the more sacrificing of your own beliefs start to happen. Money and power is at the core of this policy. I think this bill started out with good intentions and brought out the things I dislike most about politics.

In the future their needs to be reform in the system. When lobbyists are allowed to use as much money as they want it distracts legislators from focusing on their work. Instead they focus on the money. And of course with all that money comes an expectation of influence. The money can also cloud politicians judgement and allow for corruption. (Che & Gale 1998)

I think this bill will not help those survivors that are in need of coming out. Without a means of fighting back the cycle of abuse will continue. It is staggering the amount of crimes committed against children in this country. Why are we not outraged as a nation? Why do we think we are all not affected by this? If we don’t protect the children then who will? “Although everyone agrees that sexual abuse is a harmful thing for children to experience, there is a lack of consensus on a definition of sexual abuse, investigation of allegations, long-term consequences, what constitutes appropriate psychotherapy, and what public health policies should be developed to prevent sexual abuse.” (Johnson 2008) And here solid legislation to prevent it. If there was ever a time or a need to agree, this is it.