The membership of the Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual (ALAS) has developed the following position statement to articulate some of the critical issues that may place other communities across the nation at risk for an incident similar to the child sexual abuse tragedy at Miramonte Elementary School. We also wish to express our solidarity with all who are currently working to help the local community heal, especially the victim advocates from the East Los Angeles Women’s Center and the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles.

On this February 14, our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific case who have had their sense of trust and safety shattered.

• To the students who have had to learn about tests for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• To the parents who have had to destroy photographs of their children, once proudly and innocently displayed in their homes, that were given by Mr. Bernt.
• To all of the good, beloved teachers and staff of Miramonte, who were abruptly transferred because of the abuse and negligence of others.
• To the students and parents who may have had the fear of speaking and “causing problems” inadvertently reinforced by the drastic measure of mass staff replacement.

We offer the following position statement in solidarity with national and local victim assistance entities, and dedicate this page to all of the voiceless residents in countless communities across this nation who live in fear: fear of retribution, fear of authority, fear of deportation, fear of the police.

Download the position statement pdf
Baja la declaración en español

Los Corazoncitos:

Selections of art submitted between 2002 and 2005 for the Corazón Lastimado: Healing the Wounded Heart™ survivor art exhibits

Advisory

Adult survivors of child sexual abuse, and the advocates who work with them, created the following heart art. Due to the nature of the themes of this exhibit, some of the artwork displayed may be explicit and potentially disturbing to some, especially young children. Parental guidance is advised.

View Los Corazoncitos survivor art exhibit here

"Recursos para padres" coming soon!