Category Archives: Quote of the Day

“When people find people like me at that young vulnerable age, who are basically lost, the thing that they have over you is, they make you believe that no one will believe you.” – Sen. Scott Brown (R-MS)

Talking about his upcoming book with 60 Minutes, Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown reveals that he was sexually abused repeatedly by a camp counselor in his youth. Though the abuses occurred at age 10, this is the first time the senator has spoken about the experience — to the public and to his family. Considering the slew of outrageous legislation pouring out of Congress these days, I’m generally loathe to say anything nice about a Republican. But it takes some serious courage to talk about sexual abuse. As an excellent Feministing post points out, Brown’s personal story helps create a “cultural space” for survivors, especially men, to come out themselves.

More than anything, though, this highlights the critical need for appropriate, well-funded support systems and outlets to assist victims of sexual abuse. Guess what that means? It means investing in local and state community health structures and sex education that does not denigrate sexuality — that’s the larger lesson that needs to be learned.