The tragic and gut-wrenching reality of child sexual abuse is one that no community should ever have to face, yet it persists. Each time an innocent child falls victim to this heinous crime, our collective conscience should be outraged. The predators who commit such vile acts not only rob children of their innocence but often leave deep emotional, physical, and psychological scars that last a lifetime. It is time for society to demand stiffer penalties for these offenders—those who assault a child or any vulnerable individual must face the full weight of the law.
How many more children must suffer before we take a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse? Why should any adult who preys on a child be given the chance to live freely in society after serving a light sentence? Such leniency is not only an injustice to the victims but also a failure to protect future generations from harm. These offenders are predators, and as such, they should be treated with the highest level of caution and accountability. They should not be allowed to re-enter normal society after committing such atrocious acts against our most vulnerable citizens.
Parents must remain vigilant, recognizing the warning signs of unsafe adults around their children. Oftentimes, the danger lurks where we least expect it—in trusted circles. Changes in a child’s behavior, unexplained fear of certain individuals, or withdrawal from regular activities can all be subtle cries for help. We, as a society, cannot afford to ignore these signs. Our responsibility is to ensure that those entrusted with the care of our children are safe, and those who fail in that duty must face consequences that reflect the severity of their actions.
The message must be clear: any adult who harms a child or vulnerable person forfeits their place in our society. They should not receive light sentences, nor should they be allowed to live freely among those they have violated. We must demand stronger laws and harsher punishments, ensuring that justice is swift and unequivocal. Our children’s safety should never be up for compromise.
As you read this, I ask: What is a child’s safety worth to society? Are we willing to let predators continue to roam our streets after serving minimal sentences? Let us agitate for the strongest possible penalties to deter these crimes and protect the most vulnerable among us. Anything less is a betrayal of our children’s trust in us to safeguard their future.
Written by: Shervonne Cash Hollis
Co-Founder, Save Our Children Alliance
Certified CSA Facilitator