Michael Speaks Out

As a life long advocate for the protection of women and children at risk, I feel compelled to comment on the recent developments at Penn State. This event has brought greatly needed national attention to the harsh reality that child abuse can and does occur in any town, at any time, to any of our children. We continue to discover that the mechanisms currently in place to prevent and report inciden...ts of abuse often fail and therefore may not be enough. We can and should be doing more, including talking to our children about their right to feel and be safe. My hope is that this horrible tragedy will begin a long-overdue dialogue about personal responsibility and moral obligations as they relate to protecting those who cannot protect themselves. My thoughts, prayers and heart are with the victims and their families as well as my deepest respect for their courage to speak out and seek justice.

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Comment by Tina Berisha on March 15, 2012 at 1:54pm: Dear Michael, I estimate your work and thoughts very much, that show your heart always on the right place. Now I´ve got a question. Do you think that prostitution is to be denied in general or only in case of violence or child abuse? Jack D. Forbes book, "Die Wétiko-Seuche", 1981 ("Wétiko" means "canibalist" and "Seuche" "pestilence") shows a deep social relationship. As a real good friend told me recently, that for him it was quite normal to go to prostitutes, I began to think more about it. It might be a complete false conclusion to think that sexual violence could be diminished by a somehow "good" prostitution idea, because it means already saying "yes" to indirect structures that only can work by violence, whereas the sexual contentment of both, man and woman, could be the key for non-violence in general. Every single consequence can be so important.

Comment by Tom Hayes on December 4, 2011 at 2:38am: Thank you Michael for speaking out about this and you know how vulnerable young people like Ashley are. She told me to tell you she misses seeing you and hope to see you soon again. We both love you for being you! Dad & Ashley

Comment by suzanne caroline waterson on December 2, 2011 at 3:27pm: HELLO michael , i think its really brave that you speak of this subject as its a subject that people shy away from or brush under the rug . children do need protection from horrible abuse like that, or any abuse , and the only way forward is to speak out about it , iv seen more than my fair share myself and always stuck up for my kids at any cost and always will do . keep up the good work for all the wonderful things you do , as well as your glorious voice for singing and speaking , as its true when you speak with love people always listen , and we all listen to you love . sending you big hugs suzanne

Comment by Cynthia Hood on November 14, 2011 at 4:41pm: It amazes me and discusses me that in this day and age some schools feel they have the right to ignore issues like this. It is just horrific for a child or adult to go through sexual abuse. To have someone visually see this and not do anything? For someone to bring it to the schools attention and it is ignored. I pray for the children who went through this and their families.........What ever happened to protecting our children? I see this so often in my field of work "What day and age are we in?"

Comment by Maria N. on November 13, 2011 at 3:29am: - There should be a very severe punishment to every disgusting human-being who abuses children - all over the world, in every country, in every continent.

- And also a severe punishment to all of those who witness any crimes or get to know about them and do nothing - and even help to hide them.

- All over the world, there has to be more determination, more awareness and more strength, in the defense of Human Values, Respect and Human Dignity.

MN

Comment by Cara Michelle Bridges on November 12, 2011 at 11:39pm: ITS VOICES LIKE MICHAELS THAT DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BECAUSE HE HAS HIS HEART IN THIS CAUSE AND WE ALL DO DEEPLY APPRECIATE ALL THAT HE DOES ..............THANK YOU MICHAEL

LOVE

CARA

Comment by Mer... on November 12, 2011 at 7:58pm: Thank you for speaking out against this, Michael. The actions of any perpetrator and the long-lasting effects on the victim are horrific. And as Cara has indicated--it takes a community. Sometimes we may be the only eyes and ears paying attention to the little ones around us. We recently had an incident brought to my attention in our neighborhood, which nothing had been done about-- I did not hesitate to call the police immediately. The situation is still under investigation. These children need to be protected and get the appropriate help and attention that they need to cope with the after-effects. Michael, I deeply appreciate your concern and your voice on this matter. Thank you.

Comment by Sandra Jeffery on November 12, 2011 at 3:44pm: Good on you Michael for speaking up on this terrible incident....I AGREE with you totally on this!!! A LOT MORE SHOULD BE DONE to protect innocent children from abusers.....THESE ABUSERS ARE NOT HUMAN!!

Keep up the good work Michael, we are all proud of you for what you do to help victims of abuse. Take care, hope to see you back in UK one day!!

Love Sandra xxxxxxxx

Comment by Kim Stephenson on November 12, 2011 at 12:25pm: Well said, Michael. We need more people to speak up for these rights as you are. I just purchased tickets for your Australian tour on the 22nd of April! It's my 21st gift and I cannot think of a better gift! Continue with your good work and I cannot wait until the concert! - Kimmy (Sydney, Australia)

Comment by Kathy Rosario on November 12, 2011 at 8:45am: Thank you Michael for speaking for those who are voiceless! It is disgusting for OUR society to be so detached from what they actually witness!! I can't understand that detachment and never hope to!! SHAME on all the football staff at Penn State in this case. All those college protesters should be protesting at the ABUSERS house!!! Get real!! Thanks to Michael's charities and other like minded people who know the difference between right and wrong and give a helping hand to the most vulnerable amongst us!! Bless you Michael and I pray that abuse victims everywhere are heard LOUD and CLEAR!!! They NEED our help!!! Kathy and LAFD Bob