Last week a Delaware Pediatrician was indicted with more than 100 counts of molestation of his innocent patients. As a nurse I find this crime to be extremely heinous. A two year old child told her parents about the abuse perpetrated upon her. Then her parents reported to the police. The Police eventually raided the doctor’s offices where they found videos and recording equipment, which Bradley allegedly used to film 13 hours of fondling and forced intercourse with more than 100 children as young as 3 months.
I am a mother, grandmother and nurse. To me this is incomprehensible. Parents should not leave their child unattended with the doctor. It is common practice for a nurse to be in the room with the doctor for examinations to prevent allegations of misconduct. Apparently this was not the case in this office. It is our responsibility to teach your daughters and their sons when they are old enough to go into the exam room alone what to expect and what not to allow. Request a nurse to be present during the exam – for males and females alike.
Recently Pope Benedict condemned the abuse of children as a heinous crime and challenged the bishops to address problems of the past with determination and resolve. This was a response to what the media has labeled “The Irish Crisis.” The problem is that it didn’t only happen in Ireland – but has been rampant in the US also. The Phoenix Catholic Diocese announced former Monsignor Dale Fushek has been defrocked. Fushek is charged with one count each of assault and indecent exposure, and five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bishop Joseph Duffy said one problem was lack of communication among the bishops themselves. “We’re coming from a culture of secrecy and confidentiality, which, admittedly, was overemphasized in the past.”
My good friend Louise Laughlin has written the Memoir I Must Be Dreaming about her husband Larry. The beginning chapter is devoted to the abuse he suffered under similar circumstances. I believe all parents, grandparents, and children old enough to understand need to be made aware that strangers and acquaintances are not to be trusted whether they be doctor, clergy, teacher, law enforcement or even family members. Teach your children and grandchildren to protect themselves by saying no – including to people who are in authority – when the actions are inappropriate. Encourage your children, grandchildren, students and patients to report the abuse to someone they trust so that the horrible cycle can be stopped.
Thank you for opening my eyes. Margaret you truly have your finger on the pulse of what is happenning in the medical community.
Thank you Nancy.
If this kid was only 2, I don’t see how they should have been left alone in the room with the doctor. The doctor is obviously wrong, but I also blame the parents for leaving the kid alone.
You bring up a really good point that children need to be empowered to say no. The overwhelming majority of sexual abuse (98%) is committed by a family member (usually the father) or a close acquaintance of the family. The idea of “stranger danger” is important, but it’s even more important to teach kids to trust their gut. If something doesn’t feel right, say no.
Part of the problem is that children are taught not to say no. They’re told that they shouldn’t sass or talk back to their parents. And on the one hand, this is true – kids need to learn respect for others. But if a kid doesn’t want to give Aunt Gertrude a kiss, or they don’t want to give Uncle Joe a hug, they have every right to say no, and it’s not rude. If a child says that they are full, they shouldn’t be forced to clean their plates. These might seem like small examples, but it’s really important for a child to be told to set limits and that no means no.
Dear Serena:
Thank you for your comment. I agree, a two year old should not have been in a doctor’s examination room without a parent or guardian present. It is the parent’s job to teach and protect the child. Saying NO to more than drugs is very important. We also need to listen to what that child has to say with respect.
Sincerely,
Margaret
Margaret, you did it again. Great essay that ought to be published on the housetops. I suppose that child abuse has flourished somewhere, to some degree or other since the fall of Adam, but that certainly does not make it right. I’m glad you have spoken out.
Thank you Anna. As a nurse I’ve treated children who have suffered horrible abuse. I hope this article makes a difference somewhere, at least protects one child from this travesty. If more read and heed – all the better.
Margaret
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I Utterly recognize what your stance in this issue is. Even though I would disagree on a few of the smaller aspects, I think you did an exceptional job explaining it. For sure beats trying to research it by myself. Thank you.