I read a lot of news stories. Dozens, and sometimes hundreds, a day.
But it has been some time since I read a quote this powerful:
"I'm not John Doe. I'm Tim Caroline."
The words were spoken Monday by the superintendent of the Moose Lake School District. He was filing a suit alleging that he was molested by a church priest while on a church-sponsored trip at Dunrovin Retreat Center in Marine on the St. Croix in 1970 or 1971.
This is the seventh suit filed against the official since February, according to this story from the Star Tribune. The official also faces suits alleging abuse while teaching at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis and Cretin High School in St. Paul in the late 1960s and early '70s.
Most suits alleging sexual abuse against minors are filed under "John Doe." But instead of retaining his anonymity, Caroline used his name.
I find such a statement to not only be courageous, but exemplary. And Caroline's actions speak a thousand words for the many who have been silenced by the stigma of being a victim.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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