FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anne Nicholas
202.467.8714
anicholas@ncvc.org
June 21, 2012
A STEP TOWARD HEALING FOR SANDUSKY VICTIMS
We are hopeful that the jury verdict in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. Gerald A. Sandusky case will send a message to child sexual abuse victims everywhere that justice—and fair, respectful treatment from the media and the public—is attainable. In coming forward, many of these victims overcame fear, guilt, shame and even hopelessness. We hope their courage will inspire other victims to seek justice and hold offenders accountable.
The media has, thus far, acted responsibly in respecting the victims’ privacy and dignity by not reporting their identities. We ask the community and the nation to also provide victims the fairness, dignity and respect they deserve as they begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
Sources for media reporting on the Sandusky trial:
Mai Fernandez, Executive Director, National Center for Victims of Crime
Jeff Dion, child sexual abuse survivor and Director, National Crime Victim Bar Association
Additional experts and survivors are available for interviews upon request.
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The National Center for Victims of Crime, established in 1985, is the nation’s leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. For more than 25 years, the National Center has led this nation’s struggle to provide crime victims with the rights, protections, and services they need to rebuild their lives.