Mike Gillum Chapter Summaries
The novel is split into three sections and written from three different points of view. The three sections involve the time during the abuse, the investigation and a small portion of when justice is finally attained. The story is unraveled through the eyes of Aaron, Dawn and Mike. Aaron retells his story of sexual abuse that occurred in his childhood and his struggle to overcome his victimization and receive justice. Dawn is his mother, though completely oblivious to the tragedies that went on, once suspicions arose, believed Aaron the first time he spoke up and was his first supporter. Mike Gillum is a licensed psychologist who specializes in child abuse and neglect. He was a main supporter of Aaron during the investigation process and onward.
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Aaron’s main purpose and key point of his book is to be a voice for the voiceless and encourage those too afraid to speak out to take a bold step and speak up. We see that in the Epilogue where Aaron states “There can be no shame or embarrassment in speaking up” (p. 208). He wanted people to know that he is no longer a victim but a victor. He wrote of his hopes to gain a college degree, become a state trooper and go around the country as a spokesperson on the intervention and prevention of abuse. He wanted to share his story more personally than just being Victim #1 and to explain how it affected his life in all aspects. He gives examples of broken relationships, panic attacks, contemplating suicide and the inability to trust. Aaron wanted to show that there are faults in our criminal justice systems but that shouldn’t hinder victims from coming forward. It did take roughly three years after the report for Sandusky to be convicted! Another key point is that there are people who will stick by victims, believe them and provide support. This example would be Aaron’s mother and Mike. Another point inferred is that girls aren’t the only victims of sexual child abuse. To which the reader can obviously see that Sandusky, from what information is given, only targeted young boys. The final point would be that abuse shouldn’t define who a victim is and that victims can overcome their abuse like Aaron has been able to
Aaron’s main purpose and key point of his book is to be a voice for the voiceless and encourage those too afraid to speak out to take a bold step and speak up. We see that in the Epilogue where Aaron states “There can be no shame or embarrassment in speaking up” (p. 208). He wanted people to know that he is no longer a victim but a victor. He wrote of his hopes to gain a college degree, become a state trooper and go around the country as a spokesperson on the intervention and prevention of abuse. He wanted to share his story more personally than just being Victim #1 and to explain how it affected his life in all aspects. He gives examples of broken relationships, panic attacks, contemplating suicide and the inability to trust. Aaron wanted to show that there are faults in our criminal justice systems but that shouldn’t hinder victims from coming forward. It did take roughly three years after the report for Sandusky to be convicted! Another key point is that there are people who will stick by victims, believe them and provide support. This example would be Aaron’s mother and Mike. Another point inferred is that girls aren’t the only victims of sexual child abuse. To which the reader can obviously see that Sandusky, from what information is given, only targeted young boys. The final point would be that abuse shouldn’t define who a victim is and that victims can overcome their abuse like Aaron has been able to