Justice Matters, but so does healing

A Survivor’s voice from SoCaymanian

Dear Editor,

We sincerely commend our Members of Parliament for their unanimous support of tougher penalties for sexual offences against children.

This is an important and necessary step, and we commend our lawmakers in remembering that A perpetrator’s sentence may end, but a survivor’s suffering can last a lifetime.

Abuse can leave invisible scars, fear, anxiety, depression, broken trust, and the struggle to regain confidence. In a small community like ours, many survivors suffer silently, afraid of judgment or exposure. Some struggle with suicidal thoughts, and tragically, some do not survive.

While SoCaymanian supports stronger penalties, we also believe offenders should undergo appropriate rehabilitation to help prevent future abuse. Justice must include accountability, prevention, and meaningful support for survivors.

This is the heart of SoCaymanian

Our mission is not to keep individuals focused on their trauma, but to help them move beyond it. We believe our past does not have to be our future.

We encourage individuals to rediscover laughter, confidence, friendship, adventure, and the joy of creating beautiful new memories. Healing takes time, but every survivor deserves the opportunity not merely to survive, but to thrive.

Respectfully,

Sharon Banks

Founder/Survivor/Advocate 
One Person can’t help everyone, but everyone can help one person.