Stuff They Don't Want You To Know The Ongoing Amish Abuse Scandal
Oct 25, 2024
Delve into the complexities of the Amish culture, where the seemingly idyllic lifestyle masks dark realities. Explore the significant rite of Rumspringa and its challenges, from addiction to a struggle with returning to tradition. Investigate the troubling consequences of shunning, which often hide profound issues like intergenerational abuse. Personal stories reveal the struggle against silence and fear within tight-knit communities. The discussion raises urgent questions about accountability and the legal system's leniency towards abusers.
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The Ordnung's Power
- The Ordnung, an unwritten set of behavioral rules, governs Amish life.
- These rules, interpreted by elders and the bishop, dictate all community behavior.
Shunning Practices
- Amish communities practice "shunning," a form of excommunication for transgressions.
- This involves a period of isolation, followed by communal forgiveness, regardless of the offense's severity.
Mary Byler's Story
- Mary Byler, from ages four to seventeen, suffered repeated sexual assault within her Wisconsin Amish community.
- This included abuse by her father, brothers, and cousins.