The Duggars Respond to Reports That Josh Duggar Was Accused of Child Molestation

[Galnextdoor]

IME, the worst thing next to being sexually abused as a child is telling your parents and they do nothing to protect you. Parental inaction causes more long term damage than people think. At least in this case, it sounds like the parents believed the girls and at least attempted to do something about it, but they didn’t go far enough. Deep down, those girls know it.

I think that parents denying that something happened is one of the most detrimental things that can happen to the victim.

I read the report. From what I understand, Josh told his parents that he touched the girls through their clothes while they were sleeping. The girls stated in the report that they did not know that he had done something until he told them and asked for their forgiveness. The parents then told the girls that no one should touch them between their neck and their knees. Shortly after that, the one girl was wearing a dress with a pair of jeans on underneath. Josh lifted the dress and touched the hole in the jeans, which was on the rear end of the jeans. She did not remember exactly what had happened when they asked her 4 years later. Another sister saw what happened and explained. The other girl said that she was reading a book and she was sitting on the arm of the chair he was sitting in. She said he briefly touched her through her clothes in her private area and she jumped away and told her parents.
According to Jim Bob, they thought they were sending Josh to a treatment program where he received Christian based counseling and physical labor for four months. It was in the same building as a police department in Little Rock.

After Josh returned, Jim Bob took Josh to a police department where he explained what happened to Cpl. Hutchins. Cpl Hutchins used to to do State Inspections at the Duggars used car dealership. He talked to Josh, then advised them that no further punishment was necessary.

I think that the Duggars did everything they thought they should do. Only the one child remembers him touching her briefly through her clothes.

If nobody else comes forward, I think sleeping dogs should be left to lie.

The person who reported it to Oprah was unhappy with the way Jim Bob acted at church. They said he tried to convince people he was a nice guy, but he was causing a division in their church. Oprah then reported it to the Arkansas authorities. Another person found a letter in a book detailing what happened and also contacted authorities.

I think their ideas about religion are sort of weird, but it’s a free country. I don’t believe they are causing harm to anybody.

 

[Havard]

I think that parents denying that something happened is one of the most detrimental things that can happen to the victim.

I read the report. From what I understand, Josh told his parents that he touched the girls through their clothes while they were sleeping. The girls stated in the report that they did not know that he had done something until he told them and asked for their forgiveness. The parents then told the girls that no one should touch them between their neck and their knees. Shortly after that, the one girl was wearing a dress with a pair of jeans on underneath. Josh lifted the dress and touched the hole in the jeans, which was on the rear end of the jeans. She did not remember exactly what had happened when they asked her 4 years later. Another sister saw what happened and explained. The other girl said that she was reading a book and she was sitting on the arm of the chair he was sitting in. She said he briefly touched her through her clothes in her private area and she jumped away and told her parents.
According to Jim Bob, they thought they were sending Josh to a treatment program where he received Christian based counseling and physical labor for four months. It was in the same building as a police department in Little Rock.

After Josh returned, Jim Bob took Josh to a police department where he explained what happened to Cpl. Hutchins. Cpl Hutchins used to to do State Inspections at the Duggars used car dealership. He talked to Josh, then advised them that no further punishment was necessary.

I think that the Duggars did everything they thought they should do. Only the one child remembers him touching her briefly through her clothes.

If nobody else comes forward, I think sleeping dogs should be left to lie.

The person who reported it to Oprah was unhappy with the way Jim Bob acted at church. They said he tried to convince people he was a nice guy, but he was causing a division in their church. Oprah then reported it to the Arkansas authorities. Another person found a letter in a book detailing what happened and also contacted authorities.

I think their ideas about religion are sort of weird, but it’s a free country. I don’t believe they are causing harm to anybody.

I see a conflict here with this CNN report:

Jim Bob Duggar initially said upon finding out about his actions, they sent their son to a “Christian ministry” for some “hard physical work and counseling,” but Michelle Duggar later revealed they simply sent him to stay with a family friend for a period of time.

cnn.com/2015/05/22/politics/josh-duggar-molestation-2016-conservatives/

 

[Galnextdoor]

No one wants him forever branded. We’re just disgusted that no one sought help for him or took any steps whatsoever to protect his victims.

If you read the actual report, they sent him to a Christian Counseling place in Little Rock. They did not know that the guy in charge was not a licensed counselor. Jim Bob thought that Josh received counseling and physical labor during the 4 months he was there. He said that the place was in the same building as a police department, so he thought it was legitimate.

When Josh returned, Jim Bob Duggar took Josh to the State Troopers Headquarters and spoke to CPL Hutchins, who had done State Inspections at his used car dealership. He informed Hutchins what had happened. Hutchins gave Josh a lecture. Hutchins then informed Jim Bob that since Josh had gone through a Christian Counseling Program that no further action needed to be taken.

All but one of the girls were unaware that they had been touched through their clothes. They only knew because Josh said he had done it and another child thought that he might have done so.

The report said the children were made aware by their parents to report anything Josh might have done or appeared to have done.

 

[EmeraldOak]

When Josh returned, Jim Bob Duggar took Josh to the State Troopers Headquarters and spoke to CPL Hutchins, who had done State Inspections at his used car dealership. He informed Hutchins what had happened. Hutchins gave Josh a lecture. Hutchins then informed Jim Bob that since Josh had gone through a Christian Counseling Program that no further action needed to be taken.

That same article says that CPL Hutchins is currently doing prison time (54 years?) for child pornography. That’s guy’s lecture and advice are worth zero. This is why I wish people would take their children to certified mental health professionals, not some State Trooper that the dad knows through work. If he was physically ill they would take him to a certified actual medical doctor I hope. Mental health issues should be taken just as seriously.

 

[Galnextdoor]

I see at least two conflicts here with this CNN report:

1. What the counseling was:
2. Who informed the police:

cnn.com/2015/05/22/politics/josh-duggar-molestation-2016-conservatives/

I was going by what was actually written in the police report itself, not by what was said in the news. The report that I read did not say that they sent him to a friend. Perhaps the person that ran the place was a friend? In Arkansas, they have these certificates that people can receive from Christian colleges so that people can become “Christian Counselors”. These people are not licensed state counselors, but many people do not realize the difference. Most people think that these people are real counselors who happen to be Christian. I think that these so called “Christian Counselors” should be put out of business. They hang out their shingles everywhere and do more harm then good.

I think that the Duggars did what they thought they were supposed to do.

 

[ringil]

The perpetrator has resigned from the conservative Family Research Council.

 

[JonNC]

I am not sure that the article or other posters called him a pedophile. Also the article was also clear to say alleged molestation because even though he seemingly admitted to it, he was never convicted.
To be fair though at least to the parents, it was they who turned him in to the police.
But as most posters say, at 14 you should know by then that it was not ok to fondle your sisters. I would have been very concerned if he was my son, about him displaying those intentions especially since it was multiple infractions.
And as you say that there is no evidence that he is a pedophile…and I am hoping that it is true.

LongingSoul said: “This scourge of pedophilia can visit itself in even the most holy of families.” Perhaps I misunderstood the meaning of the post.
While I agree that at age 14 there should be in place an understanding that this activity is wrong, we also as a society set an age of consent, specifically because we know that a 14 year old, while understanding this is wrong, isn’t mature enough to always make the right decision.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

It would be considered molestation, not necessarily pedophilia if he was a child and the other children were around the same age by a few years.

I’ve disclosed in the past that I’ve had incidents of molestation and abuse.

One person was a significantly older man who was a stranger. He could be classified as a pedophile (or not, I have no clue if he knew my age, I did look older than my age)

Another was a 15 year old boy when I was 15 as well. I would not classify him as a pedophile.

Agreed.

Jon

 

[Galnextdoor]

That same article says that CPL Hutchins is currently doing prison time (54 years?) for child pornography. That’s guy’s lecture and advice are worth zero. This is why I wish people would take their children to certified mental health professionals, not some State Trooper that the dad knows through work. If he was physically ill they would take him to a certified actual medical doctor I hope. Mental health issues should be taken just as seriously.

The Trooper going to jail obviously occurred after all of this happened. The report says Mr. Duggar took Josh to the State Troopers Headquarters and talked to the trooper there in his office. The Duggars had no idea that he was not acting in an official capacity.

As for certified mental health professionals, in Arkansas it can be confusing about who is state certified and who is not. People hang out their shingles as “Christian Counselors”, but that does not mean that they are a certified mental health provider. Christian colleges in Arkansas hand out this little certificate thing that certifies people to counsel others about things pertaining to a religious nature. The people are called “Christian Counselors.” They hang out their shingles saying that they do marriage counseling and family counseling from a religious perspective. They are not licensed mental health counselors. This is very confusing for people who are not highly educated and seeking help.

 

[Galnextdoor]

LongingSoul said: “This scourge of pedophilia can visit itself in even the most holy of families.” Perhaps I misunderstood the meaning of the post.
While I agree that at age 14 there should be in place an understanding that this activity is wrong, we also as a society set an age of consent, specifically because we know that a 14 year old, while understanding this is wrong, isn’t mature enough to always make the right decision.

Jon

Actually, he was still 13 when he touched them through their clothes.

Four of them did not realize he had done anything until he later apologized. That is still not excusable. The last two incidents happened after the parents told the girls and had Josh apologize to them. The parents told the girls that no one was supposed to touch them on their bodies between their neck and knees. The one incident involved him touching a hole in the seat of a pair jeans that the little girl was wearing under her dress. She, the little girl involved, thought he was just pointing out the hole in her jeans, but her sister reported it to their mother. She only remembered the incident 4 years later when a sister reminded her. The other incident was a touch through the clothes while the girl was reading a story.
She is the one who actually remembers being touched. She is the one who will have scars if any of the girls do.

What he did was reprehensible, but if he hasn’t done anything since, I don’t think he should receive any further punishment.

If the family were not a Christian family on t.v., none of this would have come out. He was a juvenile, and as such, his information should not have been allowed to become public.

 

[gracepoole]

People can claim, if they like, that Jim Bob and Michelle did what they thought was best for Josh at the time. I wholly disagree that they handled it correctly or ethically, but people can claim the opposite. What, however, did they do for their daughters? The quiverfull movement, of which they’re a part, emphasizes that in such cases, the molester should not be removed from the home and the female victims are seen as responsible for enticing the molester. Does anyone here really believe the girls had a choice in forgiving Josh? Or that they were actually treated as victims of such a crime should be treated? All of the focus is and has been on Josh. Even his own public statement about the matter is me, me, me – its consistent thread is about his actions affecting him.

 

[JonNC]

=Galnextdoor;12992037]Actually, he was still 13 when he touched them through their clothes.

Four of them did not realize he had done anything until he later apologized. **That is still not excusable. **The last two incidents happened after the parents told the girls and had Josh apologize to them. The parents told the girls that no one was supposed to touch them on their bodies between their neck and knees. The one incident involved him touching a hole in the seat of a pair jeans that the little girl was wearing under her dress. She, the little girl involved, thought he was just pointing out the hole in her jeans, but her sister reported it to their mother. She only remembered the incident 4 years later when a sister reminded her. The other incident was a touch through the clothes while the girl was reading a story.
She is the one who actually remembers being touched. She is the one who will have scars if any of the girls do.

I’m certainly not making excuses for him. What I am saying is he was a young boy himself. Not an excuse, but certainly a consideration.

What he did was reprehensible, but if he hasn’t done anything since, I don’t think he should receive any further punishment.

Exactly. There are not too many reprehensible actions of young children that deserve extended punishment.

If the family were not a Christian family on t.v., none of this would have come out. He was a juvenile, and as such, his information should not have been allowed to become public.

Jon

 

[gracepoole]

I would probably feel more comfortable with my daughter at the Duggars’ than I would at a house where pornography is used.

That did it for me, I’m out folks. This is just…Wow. Pornography is worse than molesting your sister. I can’t work out if I want to laugh or cry. Probably more the latter.

I hear that. There is a serious denial of the severity of molestation (for the victim and for the perpetrator) going on here. Truly one of the most frightening statements I’ve ever read.

 

[Suudy]

I hear that. There is a serious denial of the severity of molestation (for the victim and for the perpetrator) going on here. Truly one of the most frightening statements I’ve ever read.

Who is denying the severity? Who doesn’t think it reprehensible? Who hasn’t condemned his actions and sympathized with the victims? What is being pushed against is tearing JD down 13 years after it occurred with zero evidence of repeated behavior.

The most frightening thing here, I think, is the refusal to acknowledge his repentance and his rehabilitation and demand that he be branded a molester for his entire life for something he did as a child.

 

[Finite]

I find it ironic that someone so involved in telling others how immoral they are has a history of being a sexual predator, no matter what age he was.

Perhaps he has conquered those demons. Maybe not. Either way, he’s in no position to talk about morality.

 

[gracepoole]

Who is denying the severity? Who doesn’t think it reprehensible? Who hasn’t condemned his actions and sympathized with the victims?

Claiming that the presence of pornography in a home is preferable to an actual molester in the home is denial of molestation’s severity. As you didn’t make this initial claim, I’d suggest allowing the person who did to speak for himself or herself.

The most frightening thing here, I think, is the refusal to acknowledge his repentance and his rehabilitation and demand that he be branded a molester for his entire life for something he did as a child.

No, the most frightening thing here (on the forum, sure, but within the Duggar family and their “religion” more specifically) is the ignorance regarding the victims.

 

[Murmurs]

What he did was pretty reprehensible - of course we should forgive him and I hope whatever help he needs, or needed, he has (had). His crime deserves utter condemnation, and his victims sympathy. But while he may have acted monstrously, his actions were probably made somewhat more likely by how he was brought up.

When you think about it it’s not all that surprising. He grew up in a controlling family that rejects (rightly or wrongly) almost the entirety of modern values of equality and is closed off to much of the outside world, and from any conception of that isn’t in the Bible - and a fairly literal, fundamentalist interpretation of it. His development (as with his siblings) has been stunted by the dogma he grew up in, and has been taught that women were made to be subservient to men. Josh Dugger grew up in this sexist environment, and barred from seeking alternative views. Is it any surprise at all that by the time he was a teenager, he believed that girls’ bodies were basically his to touch however he pleased? I am sure the adult Josh is horrified by what he did as we are, but to my mind it’s not altogether surprising that his happened in the first place. The news is tragic, but the whole family story is tragic.

 

[Galnextdoor]

People can claim, if they like, that Jim Bob and Michelle did what they thought was best for Josh at the time. I wholly disagree that they handled it correctly or ethically, but people can claim the opposite. What, however, did they do for their daughters? The quiverfull movement, of which they’re a part, emphasizes that in such cases, the molester should not be removed from the home and the female victims are seen as responsible for enticing the molester. Does anyone here really believe the girls had a choice in forgiving Josh? Or that they were actually treated as victims of such a crime should be treated? All of the focus is and has been on Josh. Even his own public statement about the matter is me, me, me – its consistent thread is about his actions affecting him.

Only one of the girls was awake and aware that she had been briefly inappropriately touched through her clothes. She should have received counseling,

The others I am not sure would have needed in depth counseling, because they did not know that he had touched them through their clothes while they slept. The one incident involved Josh touching the girl as he took a blanket off of her and walked away with it.

He was the one who told his parents what he had done. They had him apologize and ask forgiveness of the girls. The girls did not recall him ever touching them.

The other incident involved him touching a hole in the seat of the pair of jeans the little girl was wearing under a dress. He told her she had a hole in her jeans and touched it. She didn’t remember the incident 4 years later until another sister told her about it.

 

[Havard]

Who is denying the severity? Who doesn’t think it reprehensible? Who hasn’t condemned his actions and sympathized with the victims? What is being pushed against is tearing JD down 13 years after it occurred with zero evidence of repeated behavior.

The most frightening thing here, I think, is the refusal to acknowledge his repentance and his rehabilitation and demand that he be branded a molester for his entire life for something he did as a child.

To what rehabilitation are you referring?

 

[silver_moon]

This whole thing was settled long ago with everyone receiving the care, forgiveness and legal consequences due and needed. I have no doubt all this was dredged up precisely to damage the Duggar family’s credibility and to drag their name through the mud. There was no need to bring this to light when it had been properly dealt with when he was a child himself. It makes me sick the way the media gossips will revel in another’s downfall all the while ignoring their own grave sins. Makes me want to puke.

In modern America any sin in the past can be forgiven except molestation–and only within a religious context. We hear about secular people molesting children all the time, but it doesn’t get the huge publicity that religious people get. Why? Because the secular world holds to a double standard. They want to sin all they like, so they have to destroy the witness of those who believe that sin exists and has consequences. The world is “shocked, shocked!” when people of faith commit the same sins the world dismisses in its own. Please.

I’m not sure I agree with this. The Penn State abuse case (Sandusky) and the allegations against Bill Cosby are getting a lot of attention. Same with Woody Allen and Roman Polanski, as well as teachers in secular schools. Woody Allen has a lot of haters, although many people do still watch his movies.

Also, the huge controversy about rape of college students, and how much of that is real vs. perhaps false reporting, like the Rolling Stone retracted report about an alleged gang rape. Those claims are upsetting a lot of people and it’s hard to tell how safe students are.