Survivors

Mark 

Mark (b. 1954) was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (R-FL) and an advocate of child welfare issues. He is known primarily for introducing child protective legistlation and a political scandal involving minors under his supervision.

Mark was born into a socially conservative New England Catholic household. His father was a police officer and his godfather was a professional baseball player. At age 3 he moved to Florida with his parents and four siblings. In his new state he became a modest student and gradually recognized that he had homosexual inclinations. His conservative and religious upbringing made his homosexuality emotionally and psychologically stressful. His external reaction was to internalize his emotions and hide himself in a cycle of shame and self-doubt. The prevelant reaction of adolescents upon recognizing their homosexuality is a self-abusive pattern of guilt and feelings of diminished self-worth.

Period of abuse

At age 13 a trusted minister sexually molested him and began a relationship of inappropriate sexual contact. This lasted for approximately two years. It is recommended that all survivors undergo psychological counseling to help them understand their feelings of guilt and diminished self-worth. Mark has yet to undertake such counseling. It is possible that he does not believe this to be abuse. A majority of survivors believe that if the relationship was consensual than no abuse occurred. This is incorrect. A child of age 13 is unable both legally and emotionally to give consent to a sexual relationship with an adult. The subsequent feelings of self-hatred and wothlessness are compounded when the survivor erroneously believes that he or she is at least partially responsible. It is important to recognize that the abused child is always innocent, regardless of the circumstances, and all survivors should seek psychological and emotional therapy.

Lack of therapy and subsequent results

At age 20 Mark started a business venture with his mother as a partner. By age 23 he entered politics and was appointed to a city council position. This was followed by a long period of failed candidacies for elected office.

In 1990 he entered the state house of representatives. In 1992 he entered the state senate. Rumors of his homosexuality began to surface and he was quick to denounce any speculation. His feelings of emotional conflict and self-doubt coupled with the overriding public derision to homosexual persons in positions of public responsibility compelled him to avoid comments about his sexuality. While he would not deny that he was homosexual, he would not confirm it either.

In 1994 he entered the U.S. House of Representatives and served there for the following 12 years. While a member of Congress Mark was an active proponent of child protection laws. He was instrumental in prominent anti-child pornography legislation, including a proposal to limit the ability of adults to contact minors via the Internet and e-mail. He created legislation that allows federal agencies to monitor and investigate adult volunteers of youth organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America. Many survivors feel an emotional connection to other survivors and it is not uncommon for them to exhibit and externalize their societal concerns in their careers and volunteer efforts. Mark also introduced legislation to terminate the ability of adolescents to participate in outdoor clothing-optional recreational activities. It is not uncommon for persons who have experienced emotional trauma over their own sexuality to exhibit disapproval against others who are capable of unburdened sexual expression and positive body imagery.

In 2003 he entered an election for a position in the U.S. senate. Further public speculation about his sexuality surfaced. At the time he was also romantically involved in a long-term relationship. He again refused to comment publically. Gradually the news media began to discuss the subject and eventually his attorney informed reporters that Mark was homosexual and revealed his prior child sexual abuse. He removed himself as a candidate and consequently lost the election.

The subsequent psychological trauma that many survivors experience often manifests itself in increased sexual promiscuity and alcohol abuse. Mark began to exhibit such behavior upon executing a position of power and authority over younger subordinates. In 1996 he began a series of inappropriate sexual communications with underage personnel under his supervision and allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual activities. He has denied any sexual contact. Federal and state investigations are ongoing. He faces the possibility of future criminal prosecution, including under legislation that he created.

It is more common for male survivors to continue the cycle of abuse than it is for female survivors due to a total disparity in the power of authority. Mark was sexually abused by an adult in a position of authority when he was a minor and consequently engaged in allegedly abusive behavior toward minors when he himself was in a position of authority.

Current activities

Mark was compelled to resign his position in Congress and the attention and scandal brought about by his self-destructive behavior has more than likely ended his political career. He has entered a substance abuse program for treatment of alcohol abuse and it is highly recommended that he enter psychological counseling to treat the trauma of child sexual abuse.

Mark has never married and has no children.





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