Penn State,Syracuse and the media

One of the biggest thing that has bothered me during this time of a lack of internet connection in the inability to talk about my take on those two child sex scandal cases.

First of all I was molested by a family member who I looked up to at the time. It started around age six and continued until I think I was around 11. I would have done something about it earlier but I truly did not think my  parents would believe me. Fortunately, and thankfully I got up the nerve to tell my Mom and she believed me.

I know the emotional pain and scars you can carry from that trauma. I have been fortunate enough to have people to talk to and deal with it. For a time I actually thought I was through dealing with those feelings.  I don't know the last time I had thought about the abuse before the Penn State scandal broke. For the first couple of days hearing the details was not much of a problem.

But as the media started digging deeper and deeper into the details and the Syracuse case came to light some of the things that happened to me started to bother me again. And them memories started coming back.

I turn the channel whenever they start talking about the case  on TV now.

I can deal with the memories and feeling again, I have done it before.

But I have started to seriously think about some issues. I understand that the media has to report the news about this case.  I know that getting some of the truth out might help someone who is being abused come out and stop what is happening to them. I get that.

But as the details continue to come out I have seriously started to wonder at what point are too many details getting out.  Just two days ago I heard a man being interviewed who (I can't think of a better way to put it) had the same exact moment of knowing when things had gone too far that I did.

Personally, that experience should NEVER should be detailed on national TV.  First, it was told in fairly graphic detail that was too graphic for kids. Secondly, there may be others like me who were strongly reminded of specific details who might not be strong enough to deal with the old feelings and emotions. I honestly hope that no one did harm to themselves after hearing that detail.  I know for me that was the moment I specifically knew I could not hand future stories on the cases.

Another issue that I have been thinking about is with so many details coming out; at what point does it make it impossible to find an impartial jury?  Personally, I think that prosecuting and punishing sick sexual predators is much more important than the public's right to know.

But maybe that's just me.