Online predators continue to be a problem within our community despite the attention given the topic by several news organizations. Adults and children are targeted in online chat rooms and social media by sexual predators looking for easy targets. Predators develop online relationships and a sense of trust in order to gain physical access to their intended victims. Often those targeted have low selfesteem and/or depression making them easier targets. The television series "To Catch a Predator" highlighted the risks the internet can play in the lives of some of these children. Although some may site the violation of privacy of the perpetrators and their families when they are exposed on television while anticipating a sexual encoutner with a minor, they must be held accountable for their actions, unfortunately their families end up being a subset of victims of the perpetrators actions.
I feel as though our current laws for online predators appear to be sufficient, what is lacking is active and invested prosecution. Counties in New Hampshire that have prosecutors well educated on the nuances of sexual assault take on more of these types of cases and have higher conviction rates. Unfortunately there continues to be a sense of disbelief that sexual assault and child abuse continues within our community, even amongst the very professionals charged with investigating these crimes.
Then we are faced with the relcuatance of victims to report the crimes commited. Sometimes out of a sense of loyalty to the perpetrator and more often out of shame. It is not uncommon for victims to be revictimized by their family, friends, law enforcement and the media placing blame on the victims, increasing the sense of shame they are already coping with.
During our group discussion I shared some of my experiences caring for survivors of these perpetrators. During my career as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, I have personally cared for many young people that have found themselves victimized in this way. Looking into the faces of these victims, their innocence brutally taken away and knowing the long road towards healing and recovery that they face is heart breaking. I believe we must first acknowledge that we have a problem and then agree, as a society, that we are willing to go to any length to protect our children and those at risk. The right to privacy and anonymity must not take presidence over the safety and well being of our children.