A stance against sexual assault
COURTESY PHOTO: It took a team of dedicated workers to help convict Robert Crawford of sexual assault and help bring justice to many victims. Speak out if you are a victim of sexual assault and help rid the community of sexual predators. Assisting in the prosecution include left to right: Grimes County District Attorney Investigator John Wren, Navasota Police Investigator Travis Mullins, GC Crime Victim Liaison Gilverta Diaz, District Attorney Andria Bender, Crime Victims Coordinator Brenda Williams, Assistant District Attorney Paul Armbuster and GC District Attorney Investigator Raul Gonzalez.
The recent trial and conviction of Robert Shannon Crawford is an important reminder that an unreported child molester may continue abusing victims for decades.
Grimes County Crime Victims Coordinator Brenda Williams said this case is a reminder of why education on child sexual abuse is so important. She shared a few important lessons from this case:
There is commonly a delay before a person reports being the victim of child sexual abuse.
• Victims must process what has happened to them and feel comfortable confiding in someone. • If someone confides in you, help them. Reach out to your local law enforcement agency or Crime Victim Services Office if you need guidance or resources.
With all of the victims in this case, the common thread between them was at the time of victimization their abuser had access to them in his home.
• Make sure you know who your children are around or staying with.
• Ensure your children understand good touching versus bad touching.
• Make sure they know to tell someone if something happens to them.
Child sexual abuse must always be reported to law enforcement.
• It is rarely a one-time incident. Nothing good comes from sweeping it under the rug. Hiding the behavior, often results in revictimization of the same child or passing the abuse on to another child.
“I know this information because of my professional experience and because I am a child sexual abuse survivor myself,” stated Williams.
Sexual assault is any forced, coerced, or unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault can include different forms of violence. Remember, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault.
Types of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can include, but is not limited, to:
• Attempted rape
• Rape - sexual intercourse or penetration without permission (consent)
• Sexual threats and intimidation
• Incest - sexual contact with a family member
• Sexual assault by intimate partners or persons known to the victim
• Child sexual abuse
• Human sexual trafficking
• Unwanted fondling or sexual touching
• Sexual harassment and street harassment
• Other forms of unwelcome, coerced or non-consensual activity
For more information locally contact Brenda Williams, Grimes County Crime Victims Coordinator. Office: 936-873-4499; Email: brendawilliams@grimescountytexas.gov.
For additional resources visit, www.sarcbv.org.