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McKayla Maroney was sexually abused for years by USA Gymnastics team doctor
- Thread starter giga
- Start date
SomewhatGroovy
Banned
The worst fucking news to read this morning.
the_prime_mover
Member
I am grateful for her courage in making her suffering public, but horrified at how we as a society are so willfully blind to these abuses to our children. As a relatively new father, I am very apprehensive about the world my daughter will face and what support systems she will have access to when myself and my wife are not immediately available. I have to assume that many of those who are abused do have people that care for them deeply, and yet - when things like this happen the perpetrators generally work so hard to shut the victim up and keep their acts hidden while society seems more than willing to ignore the systems that allow for these abuses to take place.
I agree that we need to make some major changes to ensure that our children are not left to suffer these abuses, and then shamed into keeping them quiet. However, I would argue that her first point for change should be the last step we take towards stopping these crimes from happening.
I am afraid that we live in a society where we are all to willing to abrogate responsibility and so we are comfortable with turning a blind eye when victims are not forthcoming with information about the abuses they have endured. The victim should never be required to be the strongest defense against injustice. We as a society should be working diligently to ensure that these types of situations can't happen and that support systems are robust and inclusive.
It seems ridiculous to expect victims to throw away everything in order to expose their wounds. And we have to understand that this is often what we are asking of them. None of these people chose to be victims, but were victimized because their abusers were able to use their positions of power against the victims. This means that the victim was generally powerless before the abuse, and then more than powerless after the abuse. It seems reasonable to assume that the systems in place are imperfect and allow for rampant abuse, and that the people in power are able and perhaps inclined to perpetrate abuse. Perhaps that puts the burden of proof on those in power, but it seems far more likely that people with power will abuse and conceal than people without power will lie about being abused.
I agree that we need to make some major changes to ensure that our children are not left to suffer these abuses, and then shamed into keeping them quiet. However, I would argue that her first point for change should be the last step we take towards stopping these crimes from happening.
I am afraid that we live in a society where we are all to willing to abrogate responsibility and so we are comfortable with turning a blind eye when victims are not forthcoming with information about the abuses they have endured. The victim should never be required to be the strongest defense against injustice. We as a society should be working diligently to ensure that these types of situations can't happen and that support systems are robust and inclusive.
It seems ridiculous to expect victims to throw away everything in order to expose their wounds. And we have to understand that this is often what we are asking of them. None of these people chose to be victims, but were victimized because their abusers were able to use their positions of power against the victims. This means that the victim was generally powerless before the abuse, and then more than powerless after the abuse. It seems reasonable to assume that the systems in place are imperfect and allow for rampant abuse, and that the people in power are able and perhaps inclined to perpetrate abuse. Perhaps that puts the burden of proof on those in power, but it seems far more likely that people with power will abuse and conceal than people without power will lie about being abused.
SolidSnakex
Member
Gymnastic may actually be worse. I know over the past year ESPN has done a number of articles about just how bad it is
http://www.espn.com/olympics/gymnas...n-finds-hundreds-cases-alleged-abuse-gymnasts
http://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/...al-team-gymnast-alleges-abuse-doctor-karolyis
sixteen-bit
Member
so fucked up
Luschient
Member
Shit, this is the first I'm seeing about the allegation the Karolyis were enabling this shit. Depressing as hell.
I know that Aly Raisman has been talking about abuse in gymnastics for at least the past year or so, saying USA Gymnastics wasn't doing near enough to combat it. Waiting for her to weigh in today about Kayla's situation.
I know that Aly Raisman has been talking about abuse in gymnastics for at least the past year or so, saying USA Gymnastics wasn't doing near enough to combat it. Waiting for her to weigh in today about Kayla's situation.
That's such a systemic breakdown. It almost seems like they need specific protocols to prevent this whether body-cams, policies to prevent children being alone with coaches/trainers/doctors, etc...
I have 2 daughters.
These stories already make me want to beat every ounce of breath out of these people. I don't know what I'll do if someone hurts one of my children.
How's prison food these days?
maquiladora
Member
At least 1 in 4. The problem isn't exclusive to Hollywood or the games industry etc.
The problem is with men in positions of power - everywhere.
HawksWinStanley
Member
Bingo. If I ever caught anyone doing something like this to my daughter I'd keep smashing my fists through their face til I was punching nothing but mush and the floor underneath.
Dreams-Visions
Member
burn it down and start over.
perfectchaos007
Member
The Károlyi's are finally no longer in charge but honestly they should be banned from being anywhere near US Gymnastics for turning a blind eye to this
Yeah but that was mainly due to the strict diets that led to eating disorders. This sexual abuse makes takes the horrible-ness to a whole nother level
Mattlikewhoa
Member
Good for her for speaking out on it. He's going to get everything he deserves in prison. Stick him in gen pop, and let it be known what he's in for.
Jesus Christ...
Jesus Christ...
Awful :-( Not shocking though. Was wondering when some of the more famous gymnasts would come out about this stuff.
I've always been bothered by minors being trained for such high stakes demanding world competition. It's a scene ripe for abuse. How many gold metal teams were built through abuse to get the toughest most durable kids/young women for the team? The stakes make it easier for sexual predators to opperate too. No one wants to rock the boat when it's something your life is dedicated to.
I've always been bothered by minors being trained for such high stakes demanding world competition. It's a scene ripe for abuse. How many gold metal teams were built through abuse to get the toughest most durable kids/young women for the team? The stakes make it easier for sexual predators to opperate too. No one wants to rock the boat when it's something your life is dedicated to.
OG Shaka Zulu
Member
Same here. The worst part is, if something were to happen the abuser would most likely get away with it whether charges are pressed or not.
The problem is men in general. Positions of power increase the likelihood of abuse but everyday men are terrible as well.
Holy shit, I somehow missed this aspect of the scandal before :-(
LegendofDragoonLives
Member
What the fuck ????
Twilight Princess
Member
If 1 in 4 women are abused, how many men that you personally know are rapists/molesters?
WoolyNinja
Member
Wow, I can't imagine working your entire childhood towards a dream of being in the Olympics only to get there and be sexually abused. How could there be no supervision of this guy all these years??
I hope her speaking out publicly, and seeing everyone else speaking out publicly now, gives her at least some help and comfort for dealing with what she (and probably many other gymnasts) went through. Terrible, just terrible.
I hope her speaking out publicly, and seeing everyone else speaking out publicly now, gives her at least some help and comfort for dealing with what she (and probably many other gymnasts) went through. Terrible, just terrible.
RumblingRosco
Member
It could be 1 in 100 or 1 in 1 based only on the statistic you've provided. I'm sure there are actual studies out there, though, which I'd like to dig up and see for myself.
Kill Your Masters
Member
Chop his dick off.
Gymnastics is such a great sport but it is plagued with this. I'm very surprised so many have not heard of this case. Both my kids were heavy into the sport, my son still is. No child is too young to be sexually educated. This happened at the gym my daughter trained at. The person that did it targeted his victims based on the parents. Home schooled, heavily religious kids he knew the parents sheltered and would not be educated. Don't ever use playful terms for you childrens private parts all of these things make them a target. The guy fucked up when he didn't realise one boys family was divorced and his real Mother was a Doctor. The boy spoke out the moment he saw her using clear educated terms of exactly what the guy did. There was a long list of victims before he stepped up like a hero. The guy completely confessed and several of the boys and their parents just denied it and said they would pray for him. I have never wanted to smack some sense into people more in my life.
Krauser Kat
Member
because other men do nothing.
QuantumZebra
Member
I know its frowned upon on GAF but I'm much more for the former solution.
I've studied/seen enough (abuse counselor, sociologist) to know that people that deep into the pedophilia realm don't come back. It's like trying to reform a serial killer. They've seen and done things that cannot be undone.
Because men in power let it happen/ignore it and the victims are perpetually afraid of speaking out for fear of violent/harmful retribution.
My 4 year old is in Gymnastics and I have another girl on the way.. I believe the coaches there are great people but fucking hell.. how can you trust people? This is so sick.. as a dad with daughters this makes me shake.
Good on her and every other victim who have come forward on this monster and others...
Good on her and every other victim who have come forward on this monster and others...
MatrixMan.EXE
Member
Go on, girl! Good on you for naming and shaming that fucker. Let's see what comes of this. Something, hopefully.
nelsonroyale
Member
Good on her for speaking up. The guy who did this is human trash.
dr3upmushroom
Banned
Honestly, if you ever put your kids in any sort of sports... You have to scrutinize anyone involved with teaching/coaching them.
I completely understand the urge, but that's not a great solution either, because it just deprives girls of opportunities to learn independence and participate in more activities.
I think the key for parents is to focus, from a young age on teaching children (and girls especially), that they have bodily autonomy and they can remove themselves from situations that make them uncomfortable. Also, encourage them to always feel free to talk to you about it. It's likely the majority of this man's victims never told their parents, because they were ashamed or afraid of getting in trouble. I have a son, but I'm planning on telling him directly: "Do not believe anyone who tells you that you cannot talk to me about something. I will not be angry. I will help you solve your problem and then we'll talk about it."
It's heartbreaking to think that so many abusers convince children they can't talk to their parents, because their parents will be mad at them. It must feel so scary and isolating.
SenjutsuSage
Banned
I 100% saw this one coming. You could just see the way they would touch these girls, her especially, at these public events. It made you wonder what they did behind closed doors if they seemed so creepy in public.
Emperor_Uriel
Member
Basically this. We have zero sex-ed before middle school in most districts, largely because parents are uncomfortable with the education system making their kids aware of these uncomfortable topics.
The solution, in my mind, is for both parents and educators to teach children in kindergarten the three R's:
- Recognize that no one can touch where their bathing suit covers.
- Resist anyone trying to touch them in that area. If it's an adult or an older child: run, kick, scream. If it's someone their age: call for an adult immediately.
- Report to a parent or teacher anything upsetting that they did, or were asked to do, with the absolute assurance that they will not face any negative consequences for sharing. They must be aware that this applies even if they promised to keep it ”secret."
By empowering the victims themselves with knowledge, we can prevent anyone from being an easy target.
perfectchaos007
Member
I'm a guy but, when I went to see a pediatrician as a child, my mom would be there in the room with me.
As a parent, I would insist being in the doctors room when my child is getting checked out. If the doctor refuses, then thats a red flag and I would find another doctor for my child
I don't want to worry you, but I'm afraid that Maroney's parents most likely thought this doctor was 'great' too.
Mattlikewhoa
Member
THIS! I have a little one of my own, and I might have a baby face, but I'm not scared to go to jail if someone was to hurt her like this.
I need to seriously take a walk...
Just like Penn State.
perfectchaos007
Member
Yep, and the Karoli's acted like Joe Paterno
Baraka Obama
Banned
Reading what he did to her when she was 15 makes my fucking blood boil.
My friend's daughter is 7 years old and she was groped by an older elementary school student last year during recess when she was 6 and in kindergarten. He cited Trump's election win as part of his reasoning as to why it was ok to grope a 6 year old. I'm not fucking joking.
This shit is everywhere, and our children are watching and learning by example. This shit is not ok and never should be ok. It's absolutely horrible and negligent that this stuff has been going on for decades in certain institutions and only now is coming to light.
Olympic sports seem like a horrible breeding ground for this shit. A bunch of children picked out for their physical characteristics to begin with put into constant, intensive contact with adults who have extreme degrees of authority over them. It's bad enough that it feels like there should be special procedures in place for supervision of all contact between coaches and medical staff and athletes, because there's just way too much potential for abuse there.
Gentleman Jack
Member
Yeah, and they were active participants in the emotional abuse of the gymnasts that made them vulnerable in the first place.
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