I have been a parishioner of St. Dominic for 12 years. I am also on the board of directors of Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) based in Roslyn. Child abuse is not exclusive to the Catholic religion; it has occurred in every religion and any institution where there are children. It is wrong and disgusting and perpetuated by sick individuals. Unfortunately many years ago religious institutions were given a pass by our courts and legal system to police themselves, probably with the assumption that child abuse would not occur in this setting.

The reality of child abusers is that they seek out their victims, children that can easily fall prey to them. The issue in the Catholic Church is a need for reform, not the dismantling of the hierarchy. If the entire hierarchy is thrown out there will be no one to deal with on this issue and no one to lead the religious aspect.

Msgr. Allessandro recognized a need for reform many years ago and went to Rome twice to make changes on this issue; he was not dealing with the US democratic system. If people are really concerned about our children and child abuse, they should support organizations like CAPS who bring in educational programs to all schools on LI.

CAPS teaches children how to recognize signs of abuse for themselves as well as others around them. They teach kids how to report and seek help as well as how not to fall prey to an abuser. People who are concerned should demand that these programs are brought into their schools. The programs are free to the schools because they are underwritten by concerned individuals and corporations.

We need a solution to this issue. Condemning, criticizing and making people feel uncomfortable is not a solution. We need cooperation and healing to fix this problem.

For more information call CAPS call 621-0552.

Kristen Victory