25.5.2009


ACT 20






ACT 20

http://www.netsaga.is/media/files/Un.mp3


    Edith had been shown to a seat next to her sister. The defendant sat opposite between the two guards who had watched his every step since the beginning of the trial. Rev. Pauline had taken the floor.

    "I want to begin by welcoming Edith. We are very grateful that she could come on such short notice." She directed her words to Edith: "I immediately want to make it clear that you do not have to answer any questions that seem uncomfortable to you. Now, I'll turn to the matter at hand. Do you have any explanation of what happens when a seven-year-old girl is sexually abused by her father."

    Edith seemed poised. She glanced a few times at the defendant and the men guarding him. Otherwise she looked relaxedly around her or at the one who directed questions to her.

    "I've often thought about this, and perhaps it's not easy to answer the question. Sometimes I've had the feeling that I was hypnotized." She paused, then continued: "When I was a child?it seems such a terribly long time ago?dad was the best and handsomest man in the world; he was my idol. I would have gone wherever he wanted; I would have died with him." She paused again: "He governed me, and he controlled me, and I enjoyed letting him domineer over me. It wasn't until around confirmation that I became pregnant and understood what was going on. After the abortion I started sleeping with boys and men, with whomever I liked. I know this really hurt him."

    "Did he punish you? Did he employ physical violence?"

    "No, he never beat me and was always in balance, never got worked up."

    "Did he drink?"

    "Yes, a little, but he was never drunk, and he always spoke very convincingly?absolutely, unbelievably convincingly. It's that I mean when I mention hypnotism."

    "What's your opinion about what we're doing here?"

    "I understand you well. Violet has told me about this. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come."

    "Do you think he should be punished?"

    "Yes, I do."

    Rev. Pauline glanced at the others who sat at the long table: "Does anyone have further questions?"

    Solla friend raised her hand. When Rev. Pauline nodded to her, she stood up: "What is your attitude toward the efforts of the Women's Association against Sexual Abuse?"

    "I know of their work. I've never gone there. This is complicated, but very important. They're breaking the ice there, anyway, and it's about time."

    The next question came from Didi Stina: "Do you think that women like you who have been sexually abused can ever recover fully?"

    "No, I don't think so."

    Bertha had a question: "What can be done about people who sexually abuse their children?"

    "I can't answer this question. In my mind there is no room for mercy or tolerance. I'm not any more Christian than that."