Actor Mark Salling committed suicide yesterday while awaiting sentencing for a child pornography conviction. The former “Glee” cast member had hung himself. He was facing 4-7 years in prison.
Nothing good comes from this entire tragic chain of events. Not for the victims of child sexual abuse and not for the family, fans or friends of Mark Salling. It’s important to know that no matter what, there are people you can turn to. Whether you are a victim of sexual abuse, or a perpetrator – it’s important to seek out professional help and not let the cycle perpetuate for one more day.
If you are caught up in the cycle and life seems hopeless, please don’t do something drastic and irreversible. Most of us reading this were there ourselves or know someone who is. There is an opportunity to come out the other end of this as a better, healthier person.
I asked previously in a different comment section does anyone know what the suicide stats are for adults that are on registry never received a answer. Between adults and juveniles I believe it makes a stronger case on the grounds of cruel and unusual punishment
I don’t know about registry but prior to that in these publicized Sex Sting cases it appears to be about 2%. I specifically study Washington State Net Nanny and know roughly 3 individuals have passed (2 confirmed suicide) out of 150-160 captured over a 3 year time frame.
This news cuts close to home. Had a friend not reached out to me about a month after I was arrested, made me feel human at least, I don’t know if I would be here today. I was also able to find a support network that has helped tremendously.
If you are in this situation, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or family member. If you know someone in a similar situation, don’t be afraid to call. It doesn’t take much, just some time, an understanding ear, and maybe a shoulder to cry on.
I am eternally grateful to that friend who reached out to me three years ago.
I hope this will help
veterans crisis line 1-800-273-8255 press # 1
or text to 838255
Another reason why we all need to be involved, to have special events and meet and greets in our counties to help get the word out that people care and care a lot.
And yet another death of a young life in America. This tragic ending to this young man’s life was by his own hand. He choose death over a lifetime on the sex offender registry. When death is preferable to being alive there is a problem. The threat – NO – the reality that being labelled a sex offender essentially a “social death” in that you are now a untouchable in the society. Unwelcome to work, live among, and socialize with society at large.
This man’s life should not be lost in vain but should shine a light on the tragic reality that the sex offender registry is a cruel and unusual punishment so unimaginably horrible that people would rather die than be forced to endure it.
In some less advanced “primitive” societies you were driven out or stoned to death as a punishment but here in the USA you are doomed to a social death by being publicly shammed on a registry. Which is worse and why should anyone in 2018 America have to make such a choice!?!
How many more lives are Americans going to allow to be lost because of this useless, abuse, and barbaric listings. When we they learn the lesson – when it is someone they know perhaps…someone like this young actor perhaps could make a change.
I completely agree with you Lee
Well said!
So, this HOTLINE is actually trained to help RSOs who are contemplating suicide? Do you know for sure? Anyone with personal experience? I have a family member RSO who is at that point at any moment. This is a very serious question.
This is the national suicide hotline.
To our knowledge there is no “reason specific” hotline for RSOs.
Naturally, once the situation stabilizes you can put him in touch with us and we can see what other social services are available, but we are, by no means, trained or equipped to deal with someone in that situation.
Thank you.
I am not licensed in any way but I’ve been to that decision point a few times in the last ten years. Recently I’ve made strides to put me closer to where I want to be career-wise, but without fail I still get those dark days. Your family member can call me if he doesn’t want to call a hotline. If he/she is a veteran there is also a hotline for that.
Please share the hotline for Veterans.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
1-800-273-8255
I’ve stared down that dark hallway a couple of times I thank God because he wasn’t ready to see me yet. Since then he gave me a understanding wife and a beautiful child. We can’t always see a reason to continue right then and there but there is always at least one. When this man was arrested and charged most of his so called friends and associates ran for the hills like what happened to most if not all of us that’s the loneliest feeling in the world even though your real friends and family tell you everything will be ok you can’t see it as people and things are leaving your life from the minute your arresy goes public. Mine was on the local news for a week and that was enough for me to want to end it all I can’t imagine what a celebrity goes through. Loss of everything and almost everyone and facing a California prison where he was almost certain to become a target I can empathize with him. All we can do now is pray for him his family and his friends and do our best to get the word out so one day being convicted of or pleading guilty to a sexually based offense won’t necessarily become a life sentence or a death sentence
He is not with me right now. Took him home about 1 1/2 hrs away. He does not have a phone of his own. If the moment arises that I will know he needs to talk to someone, would you email to me how to contact you? I will not abuse this reply, only if/when there is a critical moment. This is a 22 almost 23 young man. I am the Grandma. Thank you JV
Sarah
I can’t see any of your info on here, when you post comments only moderators see that i think but my email is [email protected]. Contact me through there and I’ll give you the phone number. Not like it isn’t already public knowledge anyway. -_-