Bystander Art 2

I have known a number of women who were molested in their childhood and/or teenage years by members of their family. Each person was deeply traumatised by their abuse.

The hypocrisy and silence of institutions and individuals to such events is deeply disturbing. The findings of the Royal Commission’s final report – testimonies of victims, perpetrators, institutions and individuals – should never be lost to time.

I am concerned that I may be hurting people of faith, but my greatest fear is the possibility of business as usual. The real blasphemy is the on-going sexual abuse of children, and my responsibility as a bystander is to have a concern and care for others.

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"To study psychological trauma means bearing witness to horrible events. When the events are natural disasters or "acts of God," those who bear witness sympathize readily with the victim. But when the traumatic events are of human design, those who bear witness are caught in the conflict between victim and perpetrator. It is morally impossible to remain neutral in this conflict. The bystander is forced to take sides."

Judith L. Herman. Trauma and Recovery (2022, pp. 9-10)

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