While everyone debates the legacy of Joe Paterno, I want to talk about what we can learn from Joe Paterno’s situation about child sexual safety. I believe Joe Paterno when he says that he didn’t understand how a man could have sex with a boy and that he backed away from the situation and turned it over to others because he didn’t know what to do.
I believe Joe Paterno because I’ve talked with many parents and other individuals much younger than Joe Paterno who wouldn’t know what to do in the same situation. I wish we would all learn two lessons from Joe Paterno’s situation. Those two lessons are that we need to know what sexual abuse is and how to report it to the appropriate authorities.
The first lesson is that we need to recognize what behavior can be considered sexual abuse of child. The following behaviors are considered sexual abuse in most states:
* Touching genitals or breasts
* Having a child touch an adult’s genitals or breasts
* Putting objects or body parts inside the vagina, mouth, or anus of a child for sexual pleasure
* Showing pornography to a child
* Exposing genitals to a child
* Photographing a child in sexual poses
* Encouraging a child to watch or listen to sexual acts in person or on video
* Watching a child undress
The second lesson we need to learn is how and when to report suspected abuse. In most states, adults are required to reported suspected abuse. You don’t have to have proof that abuse is occurring, you just have to suspect it is occurring. If you suspect abuse is occurring, you need to call your state’s child protection agency or law enforcement. If you are considered about the immediate safety of a child, you should call law enforcement.
Regardless of how people want to judge Joe Paterno’s legacy, let’s learn the most important lesson his situation can teach us–how to keep children safe.
If Joe Paterno was the man that his supporters believe he was, I think he would want us to learn how to keep children safe.
Dr. Beth, Ed.D., is Assistant Provost and Graduate Director of Behavioral Sciences at Lubbock Christian University. She is a licensed professional counselor, an approved supervisor for licensed professional counselors, and a certified school counselor.
She is also a popular author and speaker on topics ranging from childhood development and sexuality, teen issues, family dynamics including caring for elderly relatives, and church resources for families. She has written seven books as well as created therapeutic coloring books for children.
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I saw this newscast on CNN this morning and thought it was definitely worth sharing.
As I worked with my dad yesterday to draw a plan for wiring the house I’m building, I was reminded of working years ago with Deidre Smith, Tonya Yake, and Krista Allison in the summers. I’m sure there were others who worked with us, but those three come readily to mind. I remember working lots [...]
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