From: “Predators: Who They Are, How They Operate,

and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children”

By: Anna c. Salter, Ph.D.

Ø It is perhaps not surprising that predators who have never been arrested are so successful in fooling people. They simply take on the lifestyle and manner of genuinely nice people, and it is understandable, if tragic, that we can’t tell the difference.[1]

Ø It is a misconception that child molesters are somehow different from the rest of us, outside their proclivities to molest. They can be loyal friends, good employees, and responsible members of the community in other ways.[2]

Ø Offender self-reports have dubious validity, especially when the offender’s self-interest is at stake. The only rule for deception in sex offenders I have ever found is this: If it is in the offender’s best interest to lie, and if he can do it and not get caught, he will lie.[3]

Stand With the Re-victimized Victim

Report from the courtroom:

It was encouraging to see the Kings County Supreme Court courtroom where Nechemya Weberman's trial began today filled with supporters of the alleged survivor of his abuse, and only a handful of people in Weberman's corner. The tide is turning and this bodes well for the future of our children and our community.

Weberman stands accused of unspeakable crimes and faces a possible long-term prison sentence, and as such he would be well served to defend himself vigorously. Having said that, the opening remarks of his high-priced lawyer were malicious and malevolent and were simple character assassination -- motzei shem ra at the highest level. Listening to it with the ears of a frum person, it certainly seemed like an attempt to destroy her spirit and break her will even before she takes the stand.

This is a textbook example of a predator who first grooms the most vulnerable victim and then proceeds to undermining her credibility in every way.

One would have hoped that a person who dresses in the garb of a Cchassidishe Yid -- one who claims to have been working to improve the spiritual lives of at-risk teens for decades -- would manage to defend himself without stooping to such reprehensible methods. But sadly, this does not seem to be the case. One would also wonder on whose P’sak he relies to defend himself in this manner?

My Dear Readers:

I respectfully ask that you post a comment on the bottom of this thread commending our alleged victim and her family on their bravery in coming forward, and wishing her well when she faces the grueling cross-examination from the smooth-talking hired gun who will attempt to destroy her spirit and credibility. Please post your real name and the city where you live as you proudly and fearlessly stand with the victim.

If you live and/or work in the NYC area, please consider attending the trial, even if you can only come for a short period of time. Quite a few people came on their lunch breaks today and their presence mattered. Tomorrow, Tuesday, is a very important day, as in all likelihood, the victim and her mother may be called to testify. Trial is in session from 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and then from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Kings County New York State Supreme Court, 320 Jay Street, 20th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 in front of Judge John G. Ingram.)

Kindly take a moment to pass this email and link along to your lists and social media connections. The young woman may take the stand as early as tomorrow, so please let's get moving on this.

Judging from the positive responses I received from family members today thanking our readers for posting words of support and Bracha over the past two years, I can assure you that each and every one of your posts are read and re-read by these family members and by abuse survivors worldwide who are greatly comforted by your words.

Thank you kindly, and may we merit to rid our streets, schools and kehilos of those who would prey on our innocent children.

Yakov

[1] Salter, Anna C. (2003) Predators, Pedophiles, Rapists, and other Sex Offenders.New York. Basic Books. P.139

[2] Ibid., p. 47

[3] Ibid., p. 73