Lindsay, I applaud you for writing this because it's an open confrontation to those who make abuse only possible - those who turn away in plain sight claiming that it's none of their business.

I really mean it as an offense towards society in general. How can people look away when they at the same time get angry and request the death penalty for child abusers? How can they sleep at night when they heard a parent humiliating or beating its child or have a hunch that the next-door-neighbor rapes his daughter at night because they hear only too obvious noises from next door?

Child abuse is only possible because the offender depends on the fear of the victim of his revenge and that it silences it. He depends on society looking away and since most people do this only too willingly because facing the truth - that it can be someone they know personally - would be too crushing children continue to suffer under the hands of their loved ones. Four of five offenses against children are committed by family, friends and acquaintances. Abusers know about the tendency of most people to close their eyes before a reality they chose to ignore and use it shamelessly to break young spirits in masses.

Law Enforcement tries to stop them but against collective ignorance and denial they're powerless... as well as the victims themselves. When no one wants to listen no one can help end their plight. In this context I love my Mom even more since she believed me without questioning when she learned about my abuse. That's rare... and that is the really sickening thing.