Abuse is abuse...

I was struck this morning by the story in Chicago of a 38-year old teacher (married and the mother of 2) who had a sexual relationship with a 16-year old student. I have done enough VIRTUS training sessions that I am quick to shout out, "Don't soft pedal this. This is Child Sexual Abuse."
Two things attracted my attention. The first was the gender bias that exists in the mind of the abuser and in the minds of many who will read the story. When the victim is female, this would be clearly recognized as abuse. Because the victim is male and the abuser female, the thought exists in the minds of many, that the victim "got lucky."
The second point of reflection for me was the difference in handling such cases in the schools as opposed to the church. Had the accused been teacher in a school of the archdiocese or church employee of any type, the accused would be immediately relieved of all duties and effectively terminated. In this case the superintendent announced the accused "...will be reassigned while the district investigates."
Granted, the church has failed in years past to act so quickly, but I am proud that procedures have been put in place that place the safety of the young as the first priority even if at the cost of due process for the accused. It may not be fair, but it protects the vulnerable.