After my first novel, Bobby’s Socks was published, I had several readers ask me how I came up with such a nasty character, Mr. Diabolus. Unfortunately, they could not believe, or imagine that such a evil human being would not be easily caught, and prosecuted. Of course I got the, “why would you, of all people write a book about child sex abuse and suicide?” If you looked at me, and my pasty-white face and bowtie would you think I was a child abuse victim and had suicidal thoughts growing up and even well into my twenties? Unlikely.
The character I created is a fictional composite from several profiles that I discovered from research, and unfortunately, I had had real life first hand experience. Sadly, these sub-humans are counter to the stereotype, and they tend to be quite smart, attractive, charismatic people and would be the last person a parent would believe would molest their child. A predator, like the one detailed in the article are quite adept at hiding in plain sight.
Below is a link from an Associated Press article printed in the May 13th edition from the Washington Post. I think after you read this article, a few key details should be noted. The man was left entrusted to care for children, and he rewarded the parents trust by taking and retaining photographs of the children that he had drugged and then molested. As a comparison, in the novel, Bobby’s Socks, the character Ardee discovered Mr. Diabolus’ treasure trove of hundreds of Polaroid pictures. I literally had someone tell me that was an almost unbelievable moment in the novel. After you read the below article, I doubt I’ll get that question again because it is a typical aspect for the predatory profile.
If you want to see the face of pure evil, read the linked article and examine the face staring back at you. I think the one hidden issue that I would like to point out is it has taken decades for the victims to step forward. It is from their silence that the true crime foments from the shame, humiliation and trauma that literally marked their genetic code. It is a scar so deep as to be almost invisible, but a scar with deadly consequences because many take their lives completely unaware why they have suicidal thoughts.
But there is hope if a victim feels empowered to do a very simple thing, talk.
It is the reason I titled the novel, Bobby’s Socks. It is from the possessive, as in those colorful woven socks are Bobby’s. Because he had a unique story to tell, his story, about his unique genetic code, and his unique trauma that altered the course of his life. I am not a parent by choice, but if I were a parent I would pray that my children felt safe, and empowered to talk to me about anything. And that my children loved my hugs, and knew I loved them unconditionally forever and a day.
You might need to copy and paste the link, it seems not to be acting friendly, sorry for any inconvenience. But the story is worth reading.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hundreds-contact-fbi-about-pedophile-teacher-case/2014/05/14/bb40258e-db1c-11e3-a837-8835df6c12c4_story.html
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