When asked, “What do you do?” I always struggle to answer. My mental state has deteriorated to the point where work and everyday chores become challenging, and while I continue therapy, it’s exhausting to deal with others’ concerns. I put on a cheerful facade in public, which only leads to confusion.
Despite not yet translating into income, I sporadically share my experiences and thoughts in this manner. However, I feel a reluctance to discuss this topic with others because it revolves around “child sexual abuse,” particularly within families.
Additionally, I’m intrigued by the “perpetrators.” I believe sexual crimes are not just about victims but also about the responsibility of those who commit them. Moreover, I think everyone in society who unconsciously contributes to sexual abuse bears a responsibility.
Perpetrators often have a history of childhood abuse, stemming from societal issues like delayed sexual education due to irresponsible parents, the prevalence of pornographic material, and a system that fails to rehabilitate perpetrators, releasing them back into society.
While victims suffer lifelong damage from even one instance of sexual abuse, perpetrators can reintegrate into society after serving only a few years in prison. It’s a world that is harsh on victims and lenient on perpetrators, though it’s not that simple.
Many perpetrators were once victims themselves, their conditions worsening without help until they become perpetrators. This reveals a societal vulnerability where we are lenient towards perpetrators but indifferent towards the mental well-being of victims.
The voices of genuine sexual abuse victims (those who have not yet offended) are gradually being heard, but those of victims who have turned into perpetrators remain largely unheard. There’s a dilemma where the experiences that turned them into perpetrators can be seen as excuses for their crimes.
However, being a victim does not diminish the culpability of becoming a perpetrator. This understanding is often lacking, leading to increased societal culpability.
The education system fails to convey the risks of having and raising children, relatives pressure their own children ignoring their desires, and pornographic material is easily accessible to anyone. The list goes on.
Many people are unaware that their unconscious actions contribute to sexual crimes. The thought process that separates victims from perpetrators and considers third parties as irrelevant actually aids sexual crimes.
Why don’t we reflect on this unconscious contribution to tragedy? Because questioning beliefs and changing behavior can be daunting.
Facing the bleak reality consciously amidst an unconsciously cheerful society can be lonely and despairing. It takes courage to confront this difficulty, and it’s natural to avoid challenging tasks.
Yet, I walk this difficult path because another human instinct drives me. Imagining that the tragedies I’ve faced might continue for other children is unbearable. I need to believe in change to find meaning in life.
It might be challenging for outsiders to relate to sexual crimes on a personal level, but for me, thinking about it is unavoidable. It permeates every aspect of my life, from casual conversations to everyday activities, constantly on my mind, even when it’s painful.
That’s who I am—a person who constantly thinks about and practices changes to eradicate sexual crimes. It’s not an easy question to answer for strangers or a large audience, but I found it easier to articulate in writing, so I gave it a try.
コメント