This whole thing really bugs me because it's all too common yet largely out of sight and out of mind.

Let me share a story that hits a little close to home.

http://www.westword.com/2004-05-13/news/stalking-the-bogeyman/#

This is a story about a victim of child rape.... courageously told in the first person by David Holthouse. I did not know David well.... only that I always figured he was the luckiest kid in the world.... rich dad who liked to fish (mine wasn't and did not), nice motorhome for camping (we always tented it), and for a kid, he always seemed to have the finest fishing outfits money could buy, thanks to dear old dad.

His perpetrator was a high school classmate. The perp and his parents were friends that we fished with, and I worked for his dad in Anchorage. Ditto for the victim's parents... fishing friends, and I also worked for his dad during my summer's off college.

All those years, I never knew... until the summer of 2004 while fishing the Kenai with the victim's dad. Dad caught a beautiful 50# platinum hen king.... third year in a row that our driftboat host put us on BIG fish in the same spot. It was a moment to rejoice.... that is, until I unknowingly put my foot in my mouth saying something about the good old days fishing with mutual friends (perp's parents). "How is old **** (referring to perp's dad) these days? Do you guys still fish together?"

An awkward silence loomed like the Black Plague for the rest of the day.

Weeks later he shared with me the reason for the awkward moment.... and the link to the story penned by his only son.

I wept.

This stuff changes lives and relationships.... casualties beyond measure.