Thanks to Maxine Bernstein for illuminating the insidious epidemic of child abuse ("10-year-old boy who was sexually abused says kids must speak up," Feb. 13).

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, one in six children will experience abuse before their 18th birthday. In a study for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Anda called child abuse "the gravest and most costly public health issue in the United States."

I applaud the boy for speaking up. I applaud his mother for believing him, protecting him and supporting him throughout the legal process. And I applaud the judge for recognizing that many adults facing criminal charges are victims of abuse or neglect themselves.

At some point, the sooner the better, we need to acknowledge the problem and stop the cycle. We need to de-stigmatize the issue so victims can speak. We need to provide children safe environments and age-appropriate education about abuse and neglect. We need to inform caregivers about the signs and symptoms of abuse, so they can better protect children and intervene early. We need to remove perpetrators from the environments in which they prey. And most importantly, we need to create communities that so deeply value and care for children that abuse and neglect are no longer tolerated.

Obviously, we'd prefer the elimination of abuse and neglect. But vigorous prevention efforts, early intervention and trauma-informed care are steps in the right direction. And research suggests that, with treatment, children can overcome such trauma and lead healthy, productive lives.

-- Tom Soma, Oregon City

Executive director of the Children's Center

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