Nothing heroic about Hatcher
Now that the news is out, Teri Hatcher is probably going to get a lot of praise and become a hero for testifying in 2002 about her childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by her uncle. The uncle was on trial in 2002 for sexually abusing a neighbor's daughter, and "after agonizing about whether to come forward," Hatcher contacted prosecutors, who said that the uncle--who had abused several girls who would not testify--was put away largely because of her testimony.
How could a grown woman "agonize" about protecting who knows how many children from a sex criminal? The real problem is that Hatcher did not come forward long before. Sexually abused children cannot speak, dare not speak. But when they become adults and know that their perpetrators are now abusing others, it is their responsibility to speak.
Hatcher, like so many victims of childhood incest, is still under the impression she should protect her uncle. That is typical--I see it in my practice every week. But it is also very unhealthy, and it allows perpetrators to continue abusing children, even though an adult who is standing by, silent, could put a stop to it.
How could a grown woman "agonize" about protecting who knows how many children from a sex criminal? The real problem is that Hatcher did not come forward long before. Sexually abused children cannot speak, dare not speak. But when they become adults and know that their perpetrators are now abusing others, it is their responsibility to speak.
Hatcher, like so many victims of childhood incest, is still under the impression she should protect her uncle. That is typical--I see it in my practice every week. But it is also very unhealthy, and it allows perpetrators to continue abusing children, even though an adult who is standing by, silent, could put a stop to it.
posted by Diane at 10:26 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Although I agree that the appropriate decision for Hatcher to make was to come forward about her own experience, I find it highly insensitive that you would judge her. Yes she is an adult now. But she is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse which is one of the most traumatic things anyone can endure. I wouldn't be surprised if she still has a long way to go on her own healing journey. I am proud of her for speaking up - not because she is a celebrity, but because I am proud of every single survivor who is brave enough to face the hostile environment our society has towards survivors. Unfortunately I think your post perpetuates that hostility. She doesn't need more judgment. She is a hero. Every survivor is, plain and simple. I strongly believe that we need to support each and every person who speaks up about their experience as victims of abuse since far too many remain silent because of their fear of judgment.
By
Anonymous, at
12:43 PM
And I appreciate your interpretation of my post. I expected it. But I have spent too many years listening to adults tell me that they knew children were being abused--often in their own family--and they chose to remain silent because they were still obeying the family rule of "we don't talk about it" and they still felt obligated to protect their abuser. Yes, I realize this is part of the sickness, but when it comes to protecting children, the chain must be broken.
By
Diane, at
12:52 PM
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