Penn State Scandal Raises Questions and Concerns for Parents
The Penn State child abuse claims against Jerry Sandusky have sparked similar allegations in sports programs throughout the country. While statistics indicate that sexual abuse of children is declining, it remains a serious problem in youth sports.
CAMP HILL, PA, March 05, 2012
The recent Penn State scandal involving alleged child molestation has made headlines around the country. Jerry Sandusky, former longtime assistant football coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions, stands accused of molesting at least eight boys. The fallout from the scandal has included the firing of one of the most revered sports figures in the country, the late Joe Paterno, and the university's president, Graham Spanier, for failure to report previous abuse allegations to police.Our society has digested the revolting details and responded with disbelief, anger, disgust and feelings of betrayal. For parents, the primary response is concern for the well-being of their children. Parents are left questioning the adults who coach, teach or supervise their own children and wondering whether their kids are potential victims of child abuse.
Headline scandals aside, the good news is that from 1992 to 2009, there was a 61 percent decline in child sexual abuse. Still, parents need to take precautions. Background checks should be conducted before adults are hired to lead kids' organizations, and such organizations should have rules that deal with this subject. Parents should look for warning signals such as an adult who showers their kids with gifts or tries to spend more time with their children than the parents do. Parents should also be aware that a child is more likely to be abused by a family member than by a coach.
Parents should also take time to teach their children what is and is not appropriate. It is not necessary to scare them; parents should simply take the time to explain to their children what to do if they are subjected to inappropriate behavior. It is just like teaching children to look both ways before they cross the street.
No matter how well a family guards its children against abuse, parents still have to place some trust in other adults to treat their children appropriately. When that trust is betrayed and a child is harmed, the family has the right to file a personal injury suit. An injury claim allows the child and family to recover financial damages and holds the abuser accountable.
If your child has been physically or psychologically harmed through abuse, contact an experienced Harrisburg personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Website: http://www.pa-injurylaw.com/