VIN Editorial It is that common theme, again, that is once again in the news - the abuse of young people where someone in authority is protecting the abuser or molester. The names and players change but the theme remains constant. And, unfortunately, there does not seem to be an adequate solution.
After the Baruch Lanner case many thinkers in our community had thought that the times of covering up were over. A few years elapsed. Then came the accusations against Kolko and people once again thought that a fundamental change had happened. It didn’t. We went back to the same routine. And many more innocents were victimized. Newspapers and bloggers picked up the cry for protection of the innocents and the abused, but by and large, our leadership did not make the fundamental changes that were necessary for complete safety in schools.
Last week, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes issued a call to push for a law that would make Rabbis into mandated reporters. The call was not met with welcoming arms. A subtle rift was detected by some between the Brooklyn DA and some of the Rabbinic leaders who had formerly worked together.
There is one thing that will work, though, and it is perhaps time that we do it.Florida Governor Rick Scott has recently signed a bill, SB 1816
, into law that we must adopt here in our fine state of New York, as well. Institutions must put the well-being of children before their own reputations. Florda’s SB 1816 provides the toughest child abuse reporting law in the country and gives the law some teeth too.
There is one thing that will work, though, and it is perhaps time that we do it.Florida Governor Rick Scott has recently signed a bill, SB 1816
, into law that we must adopt here in our fine state of New York, as well. Institutions must put the well-being of children before their own reputations. Florda’s SB 1816 provides the toughest child abuse reporting law in the country and gives the law some teeth too.In essence, institutions that do not report allegations of child abuse will face huge fines – fines to the tune of $1,000,000. That’s right, one million dollars. New York State must also pass such a law.
If New York State passes such a law, no institution will question their obligation to report. The law also draws no distinction between mandated reporters or not. Any school or institution that suppresses or quashes a report will face the fine.[...]
Hit them where it really hurts... brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteThere always was abuse.
ReplyDeleteThere still is abuse.
There always will be abuse.
The definition of abuse just changes.