News Conference: Michelle’s Statement
The following statement was delivered at the CFCtoo news conference on October 21, 2022.
Good morning, my name is Michelle Wilbur. I'd like to take a moment and thank each of you for taking the time to be here with us this morning. I'm a mom, a wife, and a survivor of domestic and child sexual abuse. My experiences have ignited a fire within me to be a fierce advocate for those whose voices are often silenced and who are unable, for whatever reason, to defend themselves. At CFCtoo, it is our passion to be a support to those who are hurting due to abuse of any form. We're also striving to end the stigma and shame that comes with being a victim.
I'm honored and humbled to stand before you and share a small part of my journey. There is a cost that comes with openly sharing the hurts, pain, and loss that comes with telling your truth. That cost is different for each of us but the price is always high. Leaving the church you once called home brings with it feelings much like losing a loved one. But in good conscience, I could no longer remain silent. If sharing my family's story is able to save just one person it's worth all the backlash I have received.
Church should be a place where children are safe. Where children are protected and where the evils of the world stop at the door. Pastor, elders and leaders are the gatekeepers. They have an obligation to protect the least of these. During this divisive political climate, it's important to stress that reporting CSA is not now nor has it ever been a political issue. As a Republican, I am proud to reach across the aisle and link arms with any party that is willing to help us pass the Care Act.
For years I've lived with the shame and regret of not having protected my children from the abuses perpetrated upon them. The pain that has come with the knowledge that the leaders who should have helped bring them some form of justice didn't is devastating. Over the years I've seen the damage done when silence is the status quo. During our family’s time of turmoil we needed guidance, not silence.
If the Care Act had been in place years ago my church’s leadership would have been mandated to report my children's abuse. The reporting of that abuse would have changed our lives. I can never know what that life would have looked like but I sometimes mourn what it could have been. For my children, justice delayed became justice denied.
I'd like to take a moment and thank those of you who are bravely standing with us. Thank you to the media for helping to keep our stories in the forefront of people's minds. I'd also like to thank our Governor, Kathy Hochul for her foresight and understanding that it may take a lifetime for survivors of CSA to process and remember the evils done to them as children. We at CFCtoo would love to partner with the Governor to finally get the Care Act passed. For far too long predators have been able to hide in churches where the pastors and leadership do not report the offender’s vile acts to authorities. Churches are a place for all sinners to feel loved. But it must be a place where the most vulnerable are protected. There can be a balance for both.
We are asking you to stand with us and be the voice for the voiceless. Vote for those who will defend the ones who can not defend themselves. Be someone's hero.
To the survivors of CSA I want to say directly to you: we see you, we believe you, and we stand ready to love and support you.
