As a parent and as a community member, I appreciate the courage embodied by the three women who reported their abuse perpetuated by Michael Johnson.

Both of my sons – now adults – were involved in various youth activities. Since the public disclosure of Johnson’s sexual and emotional exploitation of young women in our community, my sons and I have been following the news coverage and discussing our outrage with the abuse and our concern for the women who have stood up for themselves.

The case represents the many hurdles and community denial the victims of abuse experience when disclosing abuse by an individual who misuses power. Johnson’s misuse of his leadership position in youth activities has exploited and disappointed many people in our community who, at one point, looked up to him as a role model.

As a member of the Lewiston-Auburn community, I acknowledge the bravery the three women displayed as they stepped forward many times to tell their stories as well as their attempts to stop the current abuse of other girls and women. Their calling for justice reflects their strengths.

Eileen Fair, Lewiston