Former Scoutmaster Eugene Perrault of Newfields, New Hampshire was arrested this past week for the alleged sexual abuse of a Boy Scout in the 1990’s. According to the Manchester Union Leader, the police are also investigating whether there are other alleged Boy Scout victims. To read the entire article go to: http://bit.ly/2eKaDnf.
The victim of the alleged sexual abuse was under 13 years old at the time. In an interview with the Manchester Union Leader, in which I spoke in general terms about the problem of the sexual abuse of Boy Scouts, I told the paper that a major problem for police in investigating sexual abuse cases, such as those involving alleged sexual abuse by Scout leaders is that the victims not only blame themselves for the sexual abuse but they are embarrassed. As a result of these feelings many victims are very reluctant to come forward to report the sexual abuse. This understandable failure to report not only happens at the time of the abuse, but continues for decades afterwards. My many years of representing victims of sexual abuse throughout the country has taught me that it is very difficult for victims to come to the point where they feel strong enough to confront their abuser and the institution that hired him or her. No victim of sexual abuse should feel shame, embarrassment or fear in coming forward. There are resources to assist you. Each survivor of abuse deserves their day in court and to seek justice from institution which employed their abuser.