Robin Davis, now 78 years old, had a dark secret from 1956. And so, he decided to use the new law in NYS, that allows Adult Victims of Child Abuse, (AVOCA), to sue parties they feel held responsibility. Under this amazing law, which should be Federal-thousands of lawsuits have been filed.
He had been sexually molested by a basketball coach, but he never told anyone. Research from a representative sample in Australia, indicated that 38% of men indicated they'd suffered Child Abuse. But over 80% had never told anyone.
So all of these people, suffered the many long term impacts of trauma-PTSD, which the DSM now has criteria to diagnose children under the age of 6.
Mr Davis devoted his life to creating and funding a charity to fight and prevent Child Abuse. The charity has given away over $61 million.
But like many-Mr Davis was not familiar with all of the symptoms of long term trauma. Although he lost his case against the school district, he met a Psychologist who provided expert testimony about the effects. Recognizing himself and many of his troubles in what she told the court, he wept into his hands. Finally-an explanation for many of the symptoms he still suffered.
Mr Davis worked as a Primary School teacher early in his career, before entering the financial services industry. While he was teaching, he grew to believe that two of his students were being abused. He diligently reported this to the school nurse, and the principal. They never reported it for investigation to CPS.
This is also not uncommon. Teachers, school nurses, pediatricians-these people are "Mandated Reporters." By law they are obligated to report any suspicion of Child Abuse. A national anonymous survey in the US, of teachers, school nurses, and pediatricians found that, in eventually documented cases of child abuse, only 21% made a report.
Several communities in the US and other countries have local laws making all adults Mandated Reporters. People are afraid to report. It's complex, and if it's a neighbor, which it often is, it causes a great deal of tension and even conflict. But a person's entire life is at stake when people don't report.
I've written an article available here, asking if people are brave enough to report Child Abuse, saying that those who aspire to leadership positions, aren't truly qualified, unless they will stand up for a child's life.
We are ALL mandated reporters. Child Abuse is an international pandemic. Let's fight if together.
Growing up, there was a boy in my neighborhood, whose father openly and viciously abused him in public-many neighbors saw it. I saw it. Only one woman was brave enough to report it. The boy was removed. That woman became an international expert, PhD Nurse, on cardiac complications in infancy, and during her lifetime, wrote and was invited to give presentations internationally-even in places like China.
THAT is a Leader.
#child #abuse #trauma #PTSD #leadership
