Family abuse is serious problem

To the editor:

I am appalled at the comments and flagrant disrespect Judge Peter Statler showed in his confrontation with the Trail of Tears walk organizer, Wendy Titelman. He claimed in his statement that the issue of children being placed with accused abusers by courts is not about child abuse.

This is exactly the problem that advocates are trying to call attention to. If a stranger physically assaults or rapes a child, it is a crime. But if it is within a family, officials say it is not. This denial that it is abuse is exactly the point of the walk and the rally.

So thanks, Judge Statler, for bringing out the problem in a dramatic illustration. Abuse is abuse whether in a family or not. That is the issue.

CALLIE BENTON

Nashville, Tenn.