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Freeman grateful for bipartisan approach
Working together to address sexual violence important
NORTHFIELD – In response to news of bipartisan efforts to meet and address the difficult issue of sexual violence in the wake of the Brooke Bennett tragedy, Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Nate Freeman weighed in today with appreciation of the new direction in this difficult discussion.
“Every Vermonter must respond to the tragedy in Randolph because the specter of sexual violence is epidemic. In addition to a review of what happened and how we approach the punishment of predators, we need to also work on the best ways to prevent sexual violence, or at the very least, intervene and rescue children immediately after they suffer this tragedy.
Freeman revealed this week his personal experience as one who suffered childhood rape.
“I am one of thousands of Vermonters who have suffered childhood sexual abuse, and yet I am extremely fortunate as I was rescued almost immediately after the event occurred. I am proud of my parents and my family for saving me from repeated sexual abuse. The sad fact is that my single-time experience and the protection my family provided is not the norm in this phenomenon. While I applaud lawmakers for assuming a role of responsibility in the protection of children, we also need to consider the responsibility of parents, grandparents, and extended family members in protecting and rescuing children from predators. Every family needs to overcome the shame of sexual violence perpetrated by another family member or a person of trust in the community.
Freeman stresses the importance of working both on preventative measures as well as punitive measures in response to sexual violence.
“In challenging Brian Dubie and Jim Douglas on the politicization of this issue earlier this week, my intent was to help move the conversation in a more productive direction. Vermont's legislature, judiciary, governor and political parties need to come together at this time to work hard and fast on the best possible measures to protect our children. We should not enter this process with immediate disagreement about what measures will be the best solutions, but we must work hard and fast to look at comprehensive models in other states to find the best possible protection for Vermont children.
Freeman is also clear about how he considers his own experience.
“I was rescued. I do not consider myself a survivor or a victim, but one who was rescued and later in life learned about how my single experience affected my approach to life.”
Nate Freeman is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor from the Democratic Party. He is the owner of Freeman's Upholstery Shop and Green Mountain Kitty Litter in Northfield.
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For information on the Freeman campaign, see www.NateFreeman.com or call 802-485-4428.
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