The news of 7th Heaven star Stephen Collins confessing to molesting at least three children is blowing up on social media. It’s a tough day for those who are triggered by stories of sexual abuse — especially when idiots have taken to Twitter to heap blame on Collins’ estranged wife.
The news doesn’t come with a trigger warning. For those who have been affected by sexual abuse and molestation, stories like Collins’ alleged confession dredge up horrific memories and trauma. Sex abuse affects entire families and marriages. We don’t know exactly why Faye Grant chose to wait two years to release tapes of her estranged husband confessing to molesting young girls. Her marriage is her business. She doesn’t deserve to be blamed for Collins’ actions, and picking apart her motives draws attention away from the real crime here.
Of course, some popcorn-munching bystanders don’t agree. Here are 12 tweets that make it clear our culture doesn’t place enough emphasis on victim advocacy and the responsibility of perpetrators. Please read on with caution and self-care in mind, as some of these tweets contain abusive language.
https://twitter.com/Bonnie_Idol/status/519514270640259072
https://twitter.com/celticgrl2010/status/519513190347337728
https://twitter.com/GJR099/status/519507986004185089
I have a huge problem with Stephen Collins' wife recording his therapy sessions and giving the tape to @TMZ. Therapy should be confidential.
— Michelle (@MichelleLaw) October 7, 2014
https://twitter.com/nikoesguerra/status/519482754258305024
https://twitter.com/AndresBurrowsG/status/519468251500142593
https://twitter.com/Hey_Lover87/status/519536150982438912
Re Stephen Collins- Equally disturbing is that his wife seems utterly disinterested in the well-being of those poor girls.
— Ashley Bendiksen, Speaker🎙✨ (@AshleyBendiksen) October 7, 2014
Stephen Collins is a sick bastard but what about the ex-wife who didn't report this right away?
— Rhonda Cowsert (@rcowsert) October 7, 2014
https://twitter.com/kelsi_turn/status/519525353417486336
https://twitter.com/Alcasablanca/status/519525076530896896
#StephenCollins is a monster.His wife is a cunt for taping him secretly & selling it to @TMZ but he needs to have his dick and balls removed
— Mr.Kris Steel (@MrKrisSteel) October 7, 2014
Let me break it down for you. Unless Faye Grant participated in molesting young girls, no one should be focusing on her at all. Talking about how this came out because of divorce, or because she is a gold digger, or because she’s (insert typical lady-hating conjecture), takes the focus away from where it belongs. An adult in a position of power and authority allegedly molested young girls. At least three victims are living with the trauma of abuse, along with 1 in 5 girls. So let’s keep the focus where it belongs.
Before you speculate about an ugly Hollywood divorce or you insist you would have alerted the authorities, just don’t. Don’t perpetuate a culture that blames victims and places the responsibility on family members and witnesses. Think before you fire off an ugly tweet — your thoughtless words could open up a victim’s wounds.
More on child abuse
Stop calling bad parenting child abuse
Signs of child abuse and neglect
Protect your child with special needs from sex abuse
Leave a Comment