Spare a thought for the victims of sexual abuse

Ashleigh Elad, Johannesburg

I support all victims of abuse, especially of authority abuse, where a perpetrator in a position of power misuses his power to sexually abuse people. This relates to anyone in a position of power, whether it be a teacher, doctor, rabbi or sports coach.

What about chillul Hashem of a doctor betraying his medical oath to care for his patients, of violating the trust of his patients to meet his own sexual needs, of the damage to the victims who have to live with this for the rest of their lives?

The Torah commands us: “Do not stand aside while your fellow’s blood is being shed (Vayikra 19:16)”. We are obligated to spare no effort in preventing our fellow Jew from suffering physical, emotional, or monetary damage.

In a situation where a potential victim is unaware that he is being threatened, one is required to warn him, even though this will reflect negatively on the person or persons responsible. Speech of this sort is not merely permissible, it is obligatory.

Nevertheless, one must be certain that conditions which render speech constructive, have been appropriately met.