I was and am enraged! I find it inexcusable that we as a society can condone the abuse of our children.  There are no “small” transgressions, no such thing as a “little” molestation, there is plenty of research available showing the long-term effects of sexual abuse, for more information about the subject here is what wikipedia says.

I tweeted about this earlier today and ended up in a discussion with a person who honestly felt that it was the offender that was victimised by getting punished and that it was parents (such as myself) who traumatised the children by making a big deal about the abuse.  He pointed out that this was a “small” transgression and that the kids may not be worse for wear.  His core belief was that the man should get help and not punishment.

Now, I don’t entirely disagree, I too believe that offenders should receive treatment and follow-up and I can even agree that there may be situations where parents contribute to an escalation of a situation.

However, I do not believe that treatment is a “get out of jail free” card.  We have a duty as a society to make sure that noone EVER abuses our children, our women, our men or even our pets.  Yet, our children are particularly vulnerable, because they are children.  It falls upon us to watch out for them, make sure they are safe.  And appropriately punish those who transgress.

I know that the counter tweeter will take the following to underline his point about parents being “hysterical” but..

I will even go one step further, I believe in mandatory registration for sex offenders (something that will probably never happen in Norway), but I would like to know if a pedofile moves into my neighborhood.  I honestly believe that every child has the right to grow up unmolested, we should be able to make sure that no person ever be employed to work with children if (s)he has committed a crime against children.

We are way behind the times in Norway, something the general level of jail sentences attests to.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion – no question – but at the core of this issue is the recognition of how destructive sexual abuse is, the long-term effects that may (though not always) lead to serious problems as adults.

It has been wonderful to be able to express my feelings through this blog, it has been cathartic, and the response that I have gotten from friends, known and unknown has been amazing.

Luckily, things have worked out and I grateful, relieved and happy and for the first time in a very very long time, I slept through the night last night..

I am surrounded by amazing people.

At work, I have this unbelievably dedicated and hardworking staff, they awe me constantly with their ideas and energy.  They support me when I am low, fueling me with their positivity.

Sitting here, in my pomodoro (http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/) set aside for my blog, looking around at the concentration, the activity.  I am filled with pride to know that should we have to face tough times, we will do so together, supporting each other, with the best interests of each individual and the company as a whole at heart.

In my private life as well, the support I have received during these tough weeks from my friends and family who make clear their love for me, has been overwhelming.

On Twitter (http://twitter.com/jessicarbh) and Facebook as well, new friends have voiced their concern and support, giving me courage and humor to meet those hard days.

How lucky am I to be surrounded by these people!!

And now to get on with the job of living..

I guess the stress of my life is catching up with me, my famed ostrich approach is failing (I don’t see it, it doesn’t see me – therefor it does not exist) and I am at a loss for what to do.

What has really really saved me today was to be able to reach out through our wonderful networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and get feedback, get “love” .

I am grateful that you care, that you take the time to respond to my cries for help on such a day as today.

Thank you guys and gals for keeping me sane (well as sane as I ever am)…  I hope that I will be there for you when you need it too.