What we can learn about child sexual abuse from the Penn State case

Hour 1

As shocking and disturbing as the allegations against former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky are, some of the facts of the case come as no surprise to experts in the field of child sexual abuse.  As in most cases of involving child molestation — the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts — this one involves a seemingly trusted adult who had access to vulnerable young boys who came to rely on him as a mentor and friend.  And while there is no classic profile of child molesters, generally they are people we know —people who have access to our children, our families, and our homes.  What causes adults to commit such despicable crimes against children and how do they allow themselves to do it?  Can they be treated?  And what about the victims – who are they and how do we help them?  Then, what can we do to protect children against molestation. Our guests are psychologists THEODORE GLACKMAN and THOMAS HAWORTH from the Joseph J. Peters Institute in Philadelphia which provides services to the victims of child sexual abuse and their offenders.

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[audio: 111511_100630.mp3]