My granddaughters, ages 9 and 10, were molested by my fiance. That I trusted this man with my precious grandchildren still haunts me. That he violated that trust with such wicked acts against innocent girls should haunt him. The younger victim died this year in a drowning accident. She was never the same sweet girl after she was victimized. Both girls had therapy, but the younger one always felt unsafe. She did not like to be touched by anyone except her mom. Imagine the heartbreak of not being able to hug my granddaughter. It was especially difficult to say goodbye to her and to know that her short life was so hard all because some perverted man could not, or would not consider the harm he caused by seeking sexual pleasure from children. There is nothing the offender can do to restore this child, her life, our lives or our trust. His sentence was short. He will be out soon. It just isn’t right that he gets to continue hurting children, and my granddaughters get no justice!
Editor’s note:
The Community Justice Center believes the key to unlocking the problems with our justice system is restoring control and voices to victims. A victim tends to get lost in the shuffle of police, lawyers, judges and court rooms. Their questions don’t get answered and their story becomes nothing but yesterday’s crime.
Offenders become nothing but criminals doing time on holiday. Most never take full responsibility for the damage they have done. They don’t get a chance to feel the victim’s pain and try to make amends, even if that is all they can do. The victim has the key to getting across to offenders. Offenders need to understand the extreme gravity of the harm they put upon the victim and the community.
A major part of the Community Justice Center (CJC) is elevating victims voices so they are heard all while restoring a clear sense of control back. Through CJC victims begin the healing process and offenders know true accountability while learning about the true harm they caused real individuals and communities because of their actions. Share your comments and impact stories.