Dear Editor,
As I have shared before, one of my family members was sexually assaulted, and now the perpetrator is seeking to resolve the matter through a financial settlement. What many people fail to understand is that when a family member is sexually assaulted, the pain and trauma extend beyond the individual victim. The entire family suffers deeply, grappling with feelings of helplessness, guilt, and overwhelming sorrow.
We often find ourselves blaming ourselves for the assault, questioning whether there was something we could have done to prevent it. This misplaced guilt only adds to the emotional burden we carry. In light of this, I ask: What price can possibly be put on the pain and suffering caused by such a horrific violation? How can a financial settlement ever truly account for the long-lasting damage inflicted on both the victim and their family?
These are questions we, as a society, must confront if we hope to bring justice and healing to survivors and their loved ones.
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Withheld)
