A Fresno State Associate Professor gave a speech about child sex abuse after the recent Penn State scandal made national headlines.
Dr. Bernadette Muscat is an associate professor of criminology who has worked with child sex predators and their victims. She says the Penn State sex abuse scandal is something many of us don't fully understand.
"That's very difficult for people to understand that somebody they know and trust is doing the unthinkable to their child or someone they know and love and care for," said Dr. Muscat.
Dr. Muscat says most of the time the perpetrator is someone the victim knows. She says the one good thing that's come out of the Penn State scandal is heightened awareness.
"Instead of people putting their heads in the sand and thinking that it doesn't occur, they realize that it does," said Dr. Muscat.
The Penn State scandal made national headlines after allegations former Penn State football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky sexually assaulted at least eight underage boys. Those who came to the discussion say lectures like this should happen more often.
"I think it's wonderful that awareness is being raised so that we can protect the vulnerable in our society especially children," said Patti Schantz.
Some say the late coach Joe Paterno could have done more to alert authorities to possible misconduct, something Dr. Muscat says is a vital first step to detection.
"They absolutely have a responsibility to the most vulnerable individuals to do something to address and contact the police to ensure this is stopping," said Dr. Muscat.
If you suspect anything suspicious, you're urged to call police or child protective services immediately.