I need to say something

by Soledad 2 Replies latest jw friends

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  Soledad

  IMO and in my experience I think that sexual harassment is common among Witnesses, and much like the victims of molestation the congregation elders usually cover up the actions of some or just totally ignore the allegations. I was subjected to it often by an MS and an elder's brother, when I complained to my mother about it her response was 'well they have known you since you were born, and they didn't mean any harm' or something along those lines. I dont wish to downplay the seriousness of pedophilia as opposed to sexual harassment, nonetheless, to all those lurking witnesses out there you all should know that these things CAN happen and DOES happen everyday, whether you care to admit to it or not. If your child tells you that someone is using inappropriate language or touching him or her in such a way that is disturbing, PLEASE I am pleading that you take those things seriously. I cant even begin to describe how vulnerable and disgusting I felt as a 13 year old child being subjected to that. Dont allow your children to go thru the same. Open your eyes dammit!!

  Who needs initiative when being pushed?
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  Amazing

  Excellent points, Soledad. All to often in the JW religion, such things are swept unde the rug and glossed over ... to protect the image of the organization. There is a time to speak up ... and now more than ever, these religions like the JWs, need to be exposed for what they are.

  You adive is just as important whether JWs are involved or not. When children are disturbed by what someone is doing to them, it is always time to listen and make sure.

  Thanks again for bringsing this issue up.
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  termite 35

  Poor you xxIt's so frustrating is'nt it?I've had to cope with four 'attacks'of different degrees by different people from ages 12- 20;but noone who knows me knows;except one...while I agree with what you feel, I also know from experience how difficult it is to report it.When it's people you know it's SO difficult.It's hard to explain- but I felt I would be destroying other peoples' perception of them.Sounds crazy dos'nt it?When you're young you want the whole world to be ok- anything like this is so horrific it's almost to bad to admit to yourself... I feel some wrongly misinterperate that as it having not affected you 'enough' to make a fuss.How wrong they are;the org. has to realise that by promoting their org as 'one big happy family' it make reporting so hard for children-as if they're destroying paradise themselves...odd; but just a reaction to some thing that's so uncomprehensible to a young mind...Also,it's the thought that others, even your own family will look at you differently; if they believe you... and even at a young age you KNOW that there's a chance you may not be believed..It's a totally nowin situation for the innocent party; one incident was my brothers' best friend- but I did,nt want my brother to LOOK at me differently... so I did'nt 'tell' this will only probably make sense to someone like soledad...but what I think i'm saying is that the org HAS to STOP calling EVERYONE in the halls Auntie and Uncle etc as this infers ?TRUST and makes the child feel less able to 'tell'
  AND THE ABUSERS KNOW THIS.The response from your mother is one I expected too; chin up soledad! xxxxx