In the midst of the hype around Michael Jackson’s death, the legacy of his life can directly help us prevent child sexual abuse.

Let’s finally take stock of what we have still refused to see or productively confront—the warning sign behavior Michael Jackson exhibited towards children.  Responsible adults should be able to separate his individual talent, transcendent image & global stardom from the personal weaknesses that went beyond eccentricities.

Like many people who sexually abuse, Jackson was a complex individual with many problems. But what did it take to confront him about his behaviors – and did his charges and trial really do anything to help keep children safe in our society?  

Read our archived press release about the prevention lessons from Michael Jackson’s 2005 child abuse trial.

Read an op-ed by the New York Times columnist Bob Herbert "Behind the Facade"

Let’s learn to recognize inappropriate thoughts and behaviors towards children—AND take action to confront them and get help for everyone before a child is ever harmed.