Sandusky sentenced to 30-60 years

Today Judge John Cleland sentenced Jerry Sandusky to a prison term of 30-60 years, and declared him a sexually violent predator. Anything less would have been unconscionable to his victims who endured sexual assault at his hands, years of silent suffering, and the agony of telling their stories to a packed courtroom and the entire nation who was listening last June.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) hopes this day brings some element of peace to all of Mr. Sandusky’s victims, and encourages them to continue their healing with the knowledge that they are believed and supported. We know that healing is a process that evolves and changes as time passes, and our network of rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania stands ready to assist all survivors of sexual abuse gain access to the support and assistance they and their families may need over time.

To the men who testified to Sandusky’s abuse, we hope your journeys are unencumbered by further legal proceedings related to this criminal case. Joe Amendola, defense attorney for Sandusky, has stated repeatedly that Sandusky plans to file appeals and hopes for a new trial. One of the stated reasons is that Amendola claims he did not have enough time to prepare for the trial, the same reason that was used and rejected by all levels of the Pennsylvania Courts in his failed attempts to delay the trial in June. Under Pennsylvania law, Sandusky has 10 days after sentencing to file a post-sentencing motion. Once the judge rules on those efforts, he would have one month to file an appeal to the Superior Court.

PCAR understands that Sandusky possesses a legal right to appeal the decision. But we also understand the adverse effect the appeals process often has on child sexual abuse victims. They have already suffered through a traumatic childhood, a high-profile trial and sometimes harsh public opinion.

PCAR remains concerned about the impact the appeal process will have on the victims. An appeal would re-victimize these young men and others that have been abused, but have not yet come forward. It would send the message to victims that they are still not fully believed— that their voice is still questioned. We stand by the victims and thank them for enduring all of this to bring justice.

The intense public interest in this case has brought attention to child sexual abuse and the importance of adult involvement in prevention. We have learned from the many instances when Sandusky’s suspicious behavior raised red flags among bystanders who chose to ignore their own sixth sense that there was a problem. As a result, we have started discussions, programs and even task forces to help each other learn to prevent sexual abuse.

PCAR urges community members to continue to support the victims in the Sandusky case who have come forward, as well as all survivors of sexual abuse. We urge you to believe your child, friends and loved ones when they speak of abuse. Trust your gut and if you believe an adult may be harming a child, take action by reporting your suspicion to trained investigators such as PA’s ChildLine.

Unfortunately, this case is not unique. Children are being assaulted throughout the country by adults who employ the same tactics used by Sandusky to trick those around them into believing they are trustworthy.

We hope that the national outcry to this case empowers others to come forward and pursue their own paths to healing and justice. We also hope this case reminds all adults that they are responsible for protecting children, and they must learn to recognize offender behaviors, and report suspected abuse.

Students organize Blue Out at Penn State to benefit PCAR

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape will be the beneficiary of a fundraising drive at the second annual Blue Out during the Penn State Nittany Lions football game at Beaver Stadium Sept. 22 against Temple University.

The event is designed to show solidarity with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. The Blue Out is being coordinated by a pair of Penn State students, Laura March and Stuart Shapiro, in collaboration with One Heart: Penn State Students Against the Sexual Abuse of Children.

“PCAR is honored to be the beneficiary of the Blue Out at Penn State,” PCAR CEO Delilah Rumburg said. “It is wonderful to see students being leaders in raising awareness and showing compassion for survivors of child sexual abuse. The events at Penn State demonstrate how an entire community can be impacted when a child is abused.”

It also shows that members of the student-body support a change in the culture at Penn State—one PCAR has partnered with the university to help create through trainings and other implementations.

Penn State asked PCAR to partner with them to enhance their ability to detect and respond to sexual abuse shortly after details of the Jerry Sandusky case became public last fall.

The university pledged a $1.5-million grant through three years to support PCAR and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to develop policies, protocols and programming to make a difference in the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. To date, the partnership between Penn State and PCAR has helped to train more than 4,000 university employees to recognize and respond to child sexual abuse.

Donations at the Blue Out will be accepted at the stadium gates and through the purchase of event T-shirts and sunglasses, available at local retailers and online (see http://blueout.org/merchandise). Contributions can also be made at www.pcar.org or via text message by texting ‘PREVENT’ to 80077. A $10 charge will be added to your mobile phone bill.

In addition to wearing blue, this year’s theme, “One Team. One School. One Heart. One Promise.,” urges participants to share one personal promise that affirms their commitment to altruism. Tweet your promise to @BlueOut using the hashtag #OnePromise or write on the Blue Out Facebook wall at https://www.facebook.com/events/156190601183526.

For more information, please visit http://blueout.org.