What do I do about this?

by dissonance_resolved 84 Replies latest members private

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  dissonance_resolved

  Steve2- Point taken. However, elder business seems to me to be different than personal property, especially when said elders are known to protect information about child molesters from becoming public. As a parent of young children, if I can't trust those in authority to protect members of the congregation, would I not be justified to take any measure necessary to ensure there was no danger in my own congregation? And in fact, finding out that there is a danger, I don't know- does the end justify the means? I'm seriously messed up in a number of ways right now- whether my actions are morally justified or not are the least of my concerns.

  As I mentioned in my post, there were two perps- the info about the brother was more circumstantial, less info, harder to prove even from the notes. The actual complaint from the victim was about a young teenage girl, now older teen, no longer around- she moved away and is not attending. Turning in a messed up teen seems a different case. Obviously she needs help but not a hardened criminal.
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  villagegirl

  Hello ? People - JWdaughter is RIGHT - You have a Legal Obligation to report

  child abuse to the Police - Its bigger than you family - as jwdaughter correctly puts it.

  Its like if you find a dead body - Do you have to discuss whether or not the police should be involved ?

  Child abuse and especially sexual child abuse, is a FELONY under the law with a minor as a victim

  NOT REPORTING IS IN ITSELF A CRIME - Steve2 WRONG - its NOT am "ethical dilemma" its a CRIME SCENE

  You need to go get the evidence and report it to the police - There is not a choice as if you can decide to

  report child abuse or not. If you fail to report it you are now a party to this crime. The fact its inconvenient

  or messy or you are afraid is no cowardly excuse at what point do you do what is right, if not now ????

  Who will rescue these children if not us ?? Its personal and a definitive moment in your life.
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  zed is dead

  I cannot tell you what to do in your situation.

  All I can say is that the children are the primary concern. Protect yours, and protect others.

  If you have to "drop a dime" at a public phone booth, do it. It is what the legal department tells elders to do in a state that requires that they report. The perverts that do these things do not deserve to be shielded any longer.

  Just stay safe, and keep your children safer.

  Big hugs to you,

  zed
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  kneehighmiah

  Dont feel bad about snooping. Remember elders have no problem spying on you. There are even witnesses who would break laws to turn you in after seeing private things in your medical record. Also be careful. They could try to d'f you if you go public. protect yourself along with your family.
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  Hortensia

  PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

  No one else is going to protect them!
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  Bella15

  My sisters daughter was molested from the time she was 5 years old until she was 13 by a JW who was my sister friend. My sister never suspected a thing.

  please protect other children and do something.
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  sarahsmile

  Do the right thing! Report it to the police or you will regret it later in life. Better yet call the prosecuting attorneys office. Can you go back to your dads office and get the folder? It for the sake of the child. It sounds like an incestuous case. Most likely social workers,if school age, and officers are waiting for evidence.

  Usually there are more children involved and it is never a one time thing. Incest cases are hard to prove. You got him! Be the hero in a childs life.

  It might have happened several years ago but it does not mean that incest has stopped. Most likely he moved on to another victim under the radar.

  You should report it to the police or call social workers. Social workers will help you.

  I would tell my husband after you report it. He might talk you out of it, just tell him you had to do the right thing!

  I just read some other poster saying you should talk with your father and husband first.I really think that is a big mistake because they are both practicing JW.

  Go to the sheriffs office and report it! Do it for the childs best interest. Not your fathers or some JW ethical grounds.

  One more thing: Write everthing down as you recall reading it because with time people can forget the details as elders will hope. Names,dates,parties to the case, time line, how often,and details, one victim or more! Where you saw the files. At your fathers office where.

  I know it is scary but it the right thing to do. The only one who is being protected is the perpetrator.
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  Miss.Fit

  Steve2 : I like reading your posts. You usually have a unique and objective point of view.

  I am a little too close to be objective. This subject is close to my heart. I just wanted the emphasis to be on the well being of the children.

  DR: take a moment and just breathe. You have been given alot of advice. Please try to think things through. You are the one that will have to deal with the fall out.

  Please make sure you have all your facts straight.

  I know you will do whatever you can to protect your children. My thoughts will be with you.

  Take Care,

  Miss.Fit
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  sarahsmile

  Steve2 I do not agree with you.

  The alleged victim might still be a minor and she needs an adult on her side! Where are those adults who are suppose to ve protecting the child? Covering up the truth!

  Let me stress something about incest there are usually more victims, And they are the hardest cases because no one wants the families dirty business out there. Family members protect them. The children suffer for years and usually it runs in families, meaning not just one offender because it a normal way of life.

  Take the files and make a copy then return them.
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  steve2

  Thank you miss.fit and sarahsmile for your perspectives which I applaud. This topic is close to me because of my own childhood experience of sexual abuse (which I have disclosed briefly elsewhere on this forum) - suffice to say it was not a JW but an upstanding member of the another religious group. The need to protect children is paramount and, equally, bring perpetrators to account through the law. I just feel very uneasy about retrospectively justifying looking through a parent's private things (at the time for no good reason) - yet because something alarming was found using that to justify the invasion of privacy. That's the crucial aspect. Even authorities must have court clearance before conducting searches to avoid accusations of untoward behavior e.g., contaminating or planting evidence. I know when it comes to child sexual abuse very understandable emotions run very high - but that does not mean 'anything goes' in terms of our 'investigative' behavior.