European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 26, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Saturday july 26. 1986 the stars and stripes Paga 11 Ann Landers dear Ann Landers we Ait writing to you because i of our deep concern with the problem or sexual abuse of Chil Dren. We Are grateful for the at tension you have Given in your column to this widespread prob 1 pm. How evict your advice to those who while about child to Lesten it sometimes Noi Strong enough. As employees in the office of the attorney general of West Vir f Jinia we have Learned a great Oca More about the Legal implications and the social dynamics of dual abuse than Many people who con Tider themselves experts. First your recommendation to talk to both the Par anti and the child is certainly Good. However your readers should be aware that Many parents even those who re not guilty of child abuse often have knowl Edge of the situation and choose to do nothing. They frequently accuse the child of lying. This sometimes frightens him or her into silence. Your readers should be told what to do if they re port parents who Are child abusers and nothing is done to Correct the situation. If this occurs the matter should be referred to he local social service Agency responsible for the investigation of treatment for child abuse. In West Virginia it is the department of human services or the police. N the Case discussed by guilt by silence in mis Souri a referral to the police would be the appropriate course of action since the nun referred to had been molesting children for at least 19 years. It is extremely Likely that he is a paedophile and not suffering from a temporary aberration. No Little girl will be Safe Aroundhim unless he gets help. Many paedophiles refuse to face the fact that they Are sick until they an arrested Many people who know about such situations refuse to take Strong action because the abuser is  however it should be remembered that the children who Are being abused Are also  people who possess knowledge of guilt should ask themselves if they want to see those children grow up with a Load of emotional problems thai might never have developed bad they bad the courage to report the abuse to the authorities. Finally a word to parents if your child tells you that he or the is being molested believe it. Children almost never lie about sexual abuse. Furthermore he Law in West Virginia holds parents responsible for knowingly allowing their child to be abused usually or otherwise. Sooner or later your child May confide in someone if you refuse to help. The weight of such a problem could become too real for a child to Bear silently. When your child finally tells someone you along with the abuser will be asked to explain your silence in court thank you. Ana for giving us and your other read in this Public forum. Please continue to urge you readers to keep the lines of communication Between them and their youngster open. Encourage Parent to Leach their children the difference Between Good touch ing and bad touching. Alert parents to the symptoms of child abuse. Urge Alt adults to speak out against this hideous crime against children. Ii can Warp their approach to sex forever and ruin their lives. Mary Beth Kershner assistant attorney general Les Gulley child abuse specialist Charleston , dear Chicks ton la or to it Attr i Jwj a l. 4304448 or do. 0711 1177130. Hohs Myrtt my. Wii 20s4goo of he. , a. 101437. Thu i a sans tji unto pm room Nuhum common car. In wow