Below is an excerpt from the article where the author writes "I eventually concluded the most effective way to transmit consequential content and avoid submerging everyone under a sea of content was to share seven “findings” deemed most essential." Those seven findings are shared below.

• ❝ Finding 1: Many decades passed before information about Scouting abuse was publicly available. The dam of secrecy began to break in the 1990s. In 1994, journalist Patrick Boyle authored a book entitled “Scout’s Honor (the inspiration for the Netflix documentary cited above.) In 2012, a lawsuit in Oregon led to the release of the “perversion files” referenced by Colonel Roosevelt, which included abusers’ names.

• Finding 2: When confronted with abuse issues, the national Boy Scout organization responded like many other large organizations, both companies and non-profit entities. As Boyle describes it: “Protect the organization first, basically deny there’s a problem, and if there (is) a problem, minimize it by saying it doesn’t happen a whole lot. …Also to shield themselves with the great work they’re doing.”

• Finding 3: Many Scouting sexual abuse episodes follow a similar pattern. Leaders first befriend the boy(s), second, mentor him/them, third, molestation occurs. When abuse is discovered, leaders sometimes move on to other troops where, tragically, this cycle is repeated. (Note: There are exceptions to this cycle, of course, such as the apparent rise in abuse and assault among the youth themselves.)

• Finding 4: I was startled to encounter one of Boyle’s observations after talking with molesters. “Certain molesters relate to kids better than their parents do. …These guys are very good at connecting with kids. A lot of these guys are much better than a lot of parents at listening to kids, giving them the space they need, and recognizing when a kid needs talking and when he needs space.” What does this say about the parenting skills many of us bring (or brought) to the child-rearing task?

• Finding 5: Homosexuality and pedophilia are not closely linked. One does not presage the other; experts find minimal correlation. Most child molesters are heterosexual. Abuse is about power and control, not sexual orientation. Equally important, being abused does not make the victim a homosexual.

• Finding 6: Boy Scout membership has fallen significantly in recent decades, including a major drop in 2019 when the Mormon Church (formerly a Scouting sponsor) withdrew from the organization. This longstanding decline is attributed to diverse factors: busy family schedules, competition from other youth-serving entities including youth sports, COVID-19, organizational changes regarding LGBTQ+ issues, … and, yes, sexual abuse allegations. Although precise numbers for Iowa were not readily available, it seems the state’s trend roughly mimics the national decline, approximately one-fifth what membership numbers were in the early 1970s. 

• Finding 7: Currently, there’s a $2.46 billion settlement fund (the Scouting Settlement Trust) to compensate survivors, including an estimated 30-40% anticipated for legal fees. Claimants are likely to receive significantly less than the Court says an individual’s trauma is worth, with more than 7,000 opting for a one-time $3,500 payment. The Trust began distributing initial payments in April 2023. By mid-May 2025, the Trust had distributed approximately $138 million to 20,000 survivors. While this number may seem large, remember that damages calculated as of summer 2025 reached $7 billion.❞

On a concluding note, Jason J. Joy & Associates is still receiving and inviting those who have been exposed to wrongdoings to come forward and explore legal options in a private and safe environment. We are currently helping many victims navigate a path to compensation for the traumas they have endured.