Jury’s Not Guilty Verdict in McMartin Pre-School Case

The McMartin Pre-School case brought child abuse to the forefront of public attention, thereby increasing awareness of the issue. That awareness has ultimately helped not only improve the quality of day care, but (a) brought other cases to prosecution, (b) brought parents’ attention to the special challenges of their small children in a public environment, (c) brought parents’ attention to the communication styles of their small children--how their children discuss their experiences and feelings, and, therefore, helped to (d) bring families closer together and understand each other better.

Most importantly, the publicity of the McMartin case (regardless of how biased or unbiased) has significantly helped protect children’s rights and needs, and that alone makes it all worthwhile.

On the issue of the “mistakes” in handling the case: Yes, we should learn from them, but isn’t that part of “pioneering”?

Unfortunately, it often takes extremes to make us see things that if discussed or presented in rational terms would go unnoticed. Look at history.

May these children and their families heal from whatever their wounds are--being molested, being interrogated, being made a spectacle, pure fear and distrust--and may those who are unsound pay for what they have caused (be they molesters, accusers, lawyers or the media).

JOAN

MICHELSON-WALLACE

Pacific Palisades