Dear Editor,

It is agreed that, unfortunately, sexual abuse of children often occurs by the hands of those commissioned with their care. The devious predator is aware of the sleep patterns in a house. The unsuspecting mother of the children herself may be asleep and not conscious of the “nocturnal” habits of her partner, spouse, boyfriend, or trusted ‘babysitter’. Children may cry out in their sleep and it is often mistaken for illness or a nightmare. There is little protection in these cases.

A male animal with a scent for blood will map out the cycles of menstruation and plunder a victim when “bleeding” and weak. One is unlikely to see the physical damage and a young woman could grow up with years of torture. It happens in large and small houses and the aggressor continues the slaughter throughout the years. “Oh, such an upstanding citizen” is often how they are lauded by church and State, while other communities become silent witnesses.

It is a very painful road for victims to speak. They want to escape, maybe sighing a breath of relief to just be alive.

However, justice delayed is justice denied.

Helen-Ann Elizabeth

helenannelizabethwilkinson@yahoo.co.uk