Cain and Abel, John Cheere, 1755 [Web Gallery of Art]
A silence that is consent to abuse
by Fr Shay Cullen
In the world today where violence and the violation of human rights is marked by a reluctance to take a stand against evil, not to report child abuse, not to oppose torture and murder, is a failure to confront criminal behavior. It is an indication that we are in a culture of silence and could be complicit in heinous crimes.
The silence that is born of the unwillingness to challenge the abusers and even the abusive authorities has to be seriously examined in individuals and communities. Why is it that thousands of children, one in four, according to some estimates, are sexually abused, beaten, hurt and violated, yet the majority of the cases go unreported, authorities are inactive and justice is frequently denied the victims?
The worst abuse is when an ‘amicable’ settlement is reached between the child abuser and the parents or relatives of the child victim. For a share of the payoff a government official will negotiate a settlement. The child and her suffering are ignored, justice and healing is denied her. This Aregulo system must be stopped.
The silence of the victims in aftermath of heinous crimes against them is because of trauma and fear. The victims of sexual abuse are, in most cases, unable to cry out and seek justice. They are just children, there is pressure from family members not to shame a relative or because the child has been wrongly blamed and has overwhelming feelings of imposed guilt. They carry the secret buried in their hearts all their lives.
Full article here.
The Preda Akbay Theatre Group
The Preda Akbay Theatre Group performs in Heilesheim,Germany
The Preda Akbay Theatre Group on tour around Germany since 13 September has presented dozens of Performances to diverse audiences in schools,community centers and churches.
They have been well received getting standing ovations and thunderous applause for the heart wrenching performance.
The musical play is a serious presentation of the social realities of environmental destruction that cause poverty, hardship and human trafficking. The play expresses the deepest emotions and heart wrenching feelings of the victims of sex slavery and abuse.
They also participated in the Missio organization’s campaign for the Pilipino Family Mission.
The tour ends on 23 October.