Warning for parents about sex abuse

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PALM CITY, FL (WFLX) - Now that several Treasure Coast men have been arrested for reported sexual abuse, officials are alerting families to the resources available to abuse victims.

Port St. Lucie police arrested 20-year-old John Sotolongo Tuesday for reportedly molesting a young teen girl for years. Authorities say the victim took pills in May in an apparent suicide attempt, saying she wanted to end her life because she had a hard time dealing with the situation.

Later that same day, Port St. Lucie police arrested 38-year-old Marc Medrano, for allegedly sexually abusing a young teen victim, as well. "The one misleading thing, I think, that people have about sexual abuse is that they think there is an offender type, when there is no offender type," explained Jeff Ralicki, Executive Director of "Tykes & Teens," an organization that counsels abuse victims.

He's not surprised Medrano's victim had even written a detailed letter describing the alleged abuse, and given it to a parent.

"Oftentimes they are not believed," said Ralicki. "Sometimes they are accused of actually being the initiator, and, of course, we all know that children cannot consent."

"Castle" is a Fort Pierce group with a mission of preventing child abuse through education and awareness. Assistant Director Doug Borrie said these recent arrests highlight a serious problem, but parents of abuse victims need to support their children.

"'I will help you. I will find resources. I will get authorities involved, and this is no longer just your problem.' That's what a child is looking for, and that way, you are respecting the brave step they took to disclose to you," said Borrie.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, here are several organizations to contact:

Castle-- Teaching Safe Parenting

St. Lucie County (Main Office)

3525 W. Midway Rd.

Fort Pierce, FL 34981

www.castletc.org

(772) 465-6011

SafeSpace

632 SE Monterey Rd.

Stuart, FL 34994

www.safespacefl.org

(772) 223-2399