MCASA in the News: Charles County Child Porn Case Highlights Importance of Talking to Kids About Sexual Abuse

A recent news story from W*USA 9 sheds light on a case in Charles County, where a former teacher’s aide and coach faces multiple charges of child pornography involving at least 24 student victims. The article states that 11 of the 24 victims remain unidentified, posing a challenge to prosecutors working on this investigation. In the article, MCASA’s Executive Director and Counsel Lisae Jordan, Esq. discusses three major issues prosecutors could face:

1. "Boys are reluctant to come forward, says Jordan. 'It brings in all sorts of fears about will I be discriminated against or will I be judged.'
2. Children don’t know how to say they were abused. The Maryland General Assembly tackled this two years ago. Now kids in pre-k through high school get taught sex abuse awareness.
3. Parents pose problems, too. They’re not to blame, but they have to listen and believe their child, said Jordan.”

Jordan's comments emphasize the importance of knowing in advance how to respond to disclosures of child sexual abuse. First and foremost, if a child discloses sexual abuse to you, believe the child. Take every disclosure seriously and report the abuse. Almost without exception, everyone in the state of Maryland is obligated to report child sexual abuse.  To learn more about preventing and reporting child sexual abuse in Maryland, check out MCASA's online webinar here. Preventing child sexual abuse from happening in the first place can start with parents talking with their children about these issues. For tips on talking with your child about healthy boundaries and appropriate behavior, click here.