Years ago I wrote a column called “Where’s the outrage?”

I doubt many people remember. It was around the time when a local woman was charged with animal cruelty for abandoning numerous dogs to die at her residence. There was a national outcry over the horrific acts, and rightfully so.

At the same time, I was reporting on McKean County Court proceedings. Week after week, I’d see people in court who were charged with abusing children — physically, emotionally and sexually. Yet seldom did I hear a peep from the public about the horrific acts perpetrated on the children.

I wrote a column about the disparity in outrage. In response, I heard from four people — two parents of victims and two members of the community, thanking me for bringing the topic into the light.

Now, some 10 years later, we are a nation changed by the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State; and by wealthy celebrities like Bill Cosby being charged for alleged sexual violence.

I wrote a story the other day about sexual violence being in the national spotlight with the charges against Cosby. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

It almost feels like victims should feel some vindication that Cosby’s wealth and celebrity weren’t enough to keep him from being charged — although it took decades and an estimated dozens of victims before something happened.

Have we finally reached a point in our collective national conscience that we’re ready to be outraged by people preying on others?

Sandusky destroyed many lives. And in the aftermath of that destruction, some light has begun to shine through. Changes have been made to laws governing reporting of abuse.

And locally, through the hard work of some dedicated women — Mikele Bay and Mindi Brown — we have the Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County. And Bradford Regional Medical Center has The First Step Medical Clinic, run by Cheryl Wier in conjunction with the Advocacy Center.

More services are available now to help victims. Sexual violence is becoming less of a taboo topic.

Events like YWCA Bradford’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” are growing in popularity. It’s about a lot more than the amusing spectacle of watching men wearing women’s shoes. It’s about saying no to sexual violence, and supporting victims.

While celebrating the strides made in supporting survivors of sexual violence, we as a nation should have a larger goal — ending sexual violence once and for all.

I interviewed Heather Schultz-Piché, program director for YWCA Bradford Victim Resource Center for my story on the Cosby trial. She said something so powerful that I have to share it again.

“There is hope — hope for a future free from sexual violence,” she said. “Hope that people who see or know of abusive behaviors will step in to protect potential victims instead of the perpetrators. Hope for survivors to heal from the abuse inflicted upon them and that together we can change the culture we live in, which readily excuses reports of sexual abuse by those with power, wealth and celebrity status.

“There is healing for survivors of abuse. Breaking the silence is the first step.”

Schellhammer is The Era’s Associate Editor. She can be reached at marcie@bradfordera.com