Victims of sexual abuse will disclose their painful story to an average of nine people before anyone believes them.
Michael E. Phillips
My wife and I strolled along hand in hand. It wasn't often we took a break from our four kids to enjoy one another. We walked past the local movie theater, and I waved to some people I knew. This is the beauty of living in a small town: you know at least half the people you run into.
"Hey Mike, can I talk to you a minute?" a voice called from behind me. I recognized Gary's voice. Our local social worker, he attended our church, and we'd collaborated many times.
"What's up, Gary?"
"Has Steve come to talk to you?"
"No. I haven't spoken to him for weeks."
Gary paused. Internal alarm bells began sounding as I watched his tremulous expression. Obviously he wanted to say something serious but didn't know how.
"Is Steve in trouble, Gary?"
"He sure is! I mean, this is really big, Mike." My wife looked back at us a few paces behind her. Gary noticed her and nodded a greeting. ...
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