Scott Brown Abuse: Give Children a Voice to Tell
Feb. 17, 2011— -- The predator who molested Sen. Scott Brown at the age of 10 used three powerful words – "I'll Kill You." – which silenced the boy until the revelation of sexual abuse in his new book, "Against All Odds."
Intimidation and threats are classic tactics used by pedophiles and they work for good reason. Children are trusting and vulnerable and have no idea that their voices can make a difference.
"The only thing that you can do to break free of the chains is to tell, to shed light in the dark places," said Lauren Book, a child rape survivor and activist. "It's OK to tell and it's one of the mantras I live by."
Book, 26, said Brown's disclosure is "an important and courageous move on his part that could inspire others to share their own stories."
"I know that healing begins by telling someone what happened to you," she said.
The Massachusetts Republican, who won the long-time seat of the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, described the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a counselor at a religious camp on Cape Cod.
The 51-year-old said in an interview that will air on "60 Minutes" Sunday night that he was threatened with violence if he told anyone.
"He said, 'If you tell anybody, I'll kill you,'' said Brown, who says he was also physically abused by his stepfathers. "I will make sure that no one believes you."
Now, Book is speaking out and teaching children to have a stronger voice when a relationship feels uncomfortable.
For six years, Book was tortured by the woman she both feared and trusted -- her nanny. Waldina Flores ruled the little girl's life, alternately showering her with affection and then beating and raping her.
"When I was being beaten, I thought it was my fault," said Book. 'I thought I was doing something to deserve it. People go through that all the time."
With the help of her father, a prominent Florida attorney and lobbyist, Book launched a school curriculum that helps give children a stronger voice to prevent abuse.
Her new memoir, "It's OK to Tell: A Story of Hope and Recovery", which chronicles her abuse, hits bookstores March 8. Since then they have launched a successful legislative campaign against predators.
Book will also appear on The Oprah Network's "Our America With Lisa Ling" to discuss her prevention programs, "Lauren's Kids," including an interactive online tool to encourage conversations between parents and children about making "safer and smarter" choices.
