October is a month of crisp cool air for those of us living in the Northeast.
Although autumn involved two of the worst events in my life, the fall remains my favorite season.
October is also the month designated for observing and screening for cancer. The color PINK is everywhere you look, there are ribbons, shirts, pins — hair and food. Boobies are easier to think about and discuss. We get images of nurturing a life of an infant to a sensual adult pleasure. What’s not to like about boobs/breasts? Fundraisers for awareness, screening and survivors receive wholehearted support — emotionally and financially.
The reports of school violence astound us. Random shootings for revenge trouble us. We have become aware of ministers, priests, teachers, coaches, counselors who have crossed the line of comfort to criminal. It takes years for most abuse victims to step forward from the shadow of silence and confront the creeps.
Purple Purse Foundation
Decades after campaigns to to increase awareness, we are still blaming the victims of violence (sexual/financial/physical) for their recollection. Clear or unclear – it IS their memory that is important – a memory that remains with them LONG past the physical (or other significant life change) event that occurred.
Perhaps it’s the NON-randomness that makes the truth so difficult to address. Victims of violent random shooters/bombers never get asked to prove why they were attached or targeted.
Until we expect the predator / perpetrator to account / apologize for their abusive action/attack, VICTIMS of the insidious events will continue to needlessly suffer in silence.
