“My therapist says it’s repressed, right now, but I don’t remember,” said Sabo. Most sexual abusers were themselves abused as children, according to psychological literature. A spokesperson for the Brooklyn District Attorney said the DA would not comment on open cases. Arthur Gershfeld, Sabo’s lawyer, said that they were “confident” that “the allegations are not going to be supported by the evidence,” and that his client denied the allegations. A spokesperson for Extended Homecare, where Sabo worked a nurse, said Sabo was no longer employed there. Family members or friends are the perpetrators in 75-80 percent of all sexual abuse cases, according to Marci Hamilton, a Yeshiva University professor and author of Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect its Children. Hamilton also said that the particulars of this case are becoming more common. “That predators are on the web and using the web not only for their own [purposes] but to communicate with other pedophiles about the availability of the boy,” explained Hamilton. “This is probably not his first victim. If the media can come out with one child’s accusation it will embolden and strengthen other children” who may have been abused “and then they can come forward.” Rabbi Mark Dratch, the head of JSafe, an organization that promotes awareness and prevention of sexual abuse inside the Jewish community, said that while inroads against sexual abuse have been made, much more needs to be done. “We’ve been more successful in publicizing cases against rabbis and teachers, but our community is no different from any others,” Rabbi Dratch said. “Sexual abuse is much more common against family members and neighbors than amongst teachers and rabbis. The case that you have here is the tip of the iceberg.” Sabo’s next hearing is scheduled for September 10th. “My son is willing to testify. I made it clear. I don’t want a settlement. I want [Sabo] to be put away as long as possible,” Joseph said, “When those jurors see a twelve year-old on the stand they’ll do the right thing.”

If you have additional information about this story email Michael Orbach at morbach [at] thejewishstar.com

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