Sexual abuse

After reading the editorial "Children and Civilization," Oct. 29, a parallel dilemma struck me regarding children who are silently abused and tortured. We, in the United States, seem to be in the forefront of identifying human rights violations around the globe, but we are not so forthright in focusing on the inhumane treatment American children suffer.

I see it firsthand as a counselor for emotionally troubled teenage boys. We are sitting on a bombshell in this country - sexual abuse in the home. Wouldn't it be a refreshing change if this nation could scrutinize itself as well as it does our global neighbors? Let us begin to practice first at home where the abuse is surely in epidemic proportions. M. Federico, Sonora, Calif.

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