As a trauma therapist and social worker, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding the complexities of human behavior, communication, and the devastating impact of trauma, especially in cases of child abuse. I also frequently write about cognitive biases and how they shape our perceptions. Today, I want to delve into a particularly insidious phenomenon known as the “Liar’s Dividend” and explore how it inadvertently, and dangerously, contributes to a culture where perpetrators of child abuse can evade accountability.
The Liar’s Dividend is a concept that describes the benefit a liar receives from the general skepticism that exists about the truth. In simpler terms, it’s the idea that because we know false accusations can happen, genuine accusations are often met with a degree of doubt, suspicion, or even outright disbelief. This skepticism, while sometimes well-intentioned or born from a desire for fairness, can be weaponized by individuals and groups who seek to manipulate and exploit.
Now, let’s connect this directly to the horrific reality of child abuse. When allegations of child abuse surface, a critical and often heartbreaking hurdle is the pervasive belief that “people get falsely accused all the time.” While it is true that false accusations, in any context, are a grave injustice and can have devastating consequences for the falsely accused, the existence of these rare occurrences is often amplified and distorted. This overemphasis on false accusations then creates a fertile ground for the Liar’s Dividend to flourish.
Consider this: when a survivor bravely comes forward with an accusation, they are often met not with immediate empathy and support, but with a series of questions designed to ascertain the “truth” of their claim. These questions, while appearing to seek clarity, can quickly become an overwhelming cross-examination, forcing the survivor to defend their account rather than having the alleged perpetrator face scrutiny. This often happens because the specter of ‘false accusations’ heavily influences many people’s perceptions.
This is where the Liar’s Dividend becomes a dangerous accomplice to injustice.
The insidious nature of the Liar’s Dividend in these cases is that it allows individuals to give perpetrators a “pass” simply because they believe, or have heard of, instances where someone else was falsely accused. It creates a perverse equation where:
- Awareness of False Accusations (rare but real) + Liar’s Dividend = Discounting of Genuine Accusations.
This isn’t to say we shouldn’t be concerned about false accusations or that due process isn’t essential. However, the pendulum has swung so far for some that the very possibility of a false accusation overshadows the much more prevalent reality of genuine abuse. This skewed perspective creates a shield for abusers, allowing them to hide behind the specter of “false claims” and deflect legitimate accusations.
The consequences are devastating:
- Victim Blaming: Survivors are subjected to intense scrutiny, their credibility questioned, and their trauma re-lived and invalidated.
- Impunity for Abusers: Perpetrators can escape accountability, free to continue their destructive patterns, knowing that the “false accusation” narrative provides them with a convenient shield.
- Chilling Effect: Other potential survivors are deterred from coming forward, fearing they will not be believed and will face further trauma in the process.
- Erosion of Trust: The public’s trust in the justice system and in the ability to protect vulnerable populations is eroded.
As a society, we must challenge this dangerous narrative. While acknowledging the painful reality of false accusations, we cannot allow this to become a convenient excuse to dismiss genuine claims of abuse. We must shift our focus from an automatic assumption of doubt to one of support and belief for survivors.
What can we do?
- Educate ourselves: Understand the dynamics of child abuse, the grooming process, and the reasons why survivors may delay disclosure.
- Challenge the Liar’s Dividend: When you hear someone dismiss an accusation with “what about false claims?”, gently but firmly challenge that perspective. Remind them that while false claims do occur, they are rare, and the vast majority of accusations are true.
- Support Survivors: Create safe spaces where survivors feel believed, heard, and supported, regardless of the outcome of legal proceedings.
- Advocate for Justice: Demand systems and processes that prioritize the safety and well-being of children and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Focus on Prevention: Continue to educate parents and communities about child abuse prevention strategies, emphasizing open communication and healthy boundaries.
Ultimately, the Liar’s Dividend preys on our fears of injustice to allow a different, far more devastating injustice to persist. By recognizing and actively dismantling this bias, we pave the way for true accountability. Our unwavering focus must be on fostering environments where children are safe, where survivors find unwavering support, and where those who cause harm can no longer hide behind a misplaced narrative of doubt.
Yisroel Picker is a Social Worker, therapist and EMDR practitioner who lives and works in Jerusalem. He is a certified trauma therapist with a private practice. Additionally, he also sees clients who would like to take a cognitive approach (e.g. DBT, CBT, REBT) towards reaching their desired outcome. He has been writing and speaking publicly about child abuse prevention since 2017. To speak with Yisroel about speaking at a child safety event or to discuss a personal case, email him at [email protected]
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
10 Responses
If everyone followed the logic behind this article there would be a liars dividend to making false accusation because no one would be able to challenge them. I know that many rotten tomatoes will be thrown my way for saying this but after 120 years I would a lot rather defend my inaction and lack of activism on grounds of I did not know if the accusations were true so how could I get involved?, than have to defend why I helped destroy the life on an innocent person because most accusations are true and victims need to be supported.
Nice piece. Yes, false accusations do occur, and do not need to be common in order to require a system that protects everyone until accusations are proven. We have a seriously imperfect system, and it is critical that we examine it for its shortcomings so that we can fix them. This article failed to do that. And the traditional system allows the accuser the power to create destruction unfairly. No, I am NOT protecting perpetrators. My identity is masked behind my screen name. But I am no friend of abusers.
We have watched the metoo phenomenon, where accusations can destroy, and easily become weapons that are easily used illegally. And the rush to act upon the accusation can leave behind casualties, akin to murder. I want victims or survivors to get everything they deserve, but those who are innocent should not be obliterated in our passion and frenzy.
How about an accusation leveled against an individual, whether one in position of authority, parent, school staff, counselor, etc. It is prudent to place the accused on immediate suspension until there is credible support for the accusation. Once that is found, further action can commence. Meanwhile, destroying the reputation and career, or breaking the family are not indicated. Just the basics needed for safety, just in case. But the community involves those who seek to destroy the accusers, or those who rush to shame and crush the accused. Neither of these is acceptable. Neither legal, approved by halacha, or menchlich.
Who evaluates? Big, big problem. It is a general truth that anyone with bias is disqualified. Rabbonim are mostly ill equipped to pursue the process of verification. Not every mental health professional is properly trained for that either. There are those in law enforcement who possess the skills, and it is basic saichel that these resources are utilized. Our passion to scream about mesira or arkaos is misplaced here.
Articles like this make a valid point. But there are likewise articles that make the opposite one. The best and most ideal path is somewhere in the middle. My comment might well be a start of a rational approach to a serious problem. It is far more common that we might prefer to believe. But the rush to crush the accused is not correct either. And if we do that, we are more apt to create the system whereby a disgruntled talmid can easily destroy the rebbe he dislikes just because he can.
Unfortunately false accusation are far from rare.
If you speak to people involved and not trying to make money off the victims you would know that.
One reference anyone interested in educating themselves on therapists should read is “Bad therapy” a best selling book on Amazon which is quite eye opening.
Modern psychotherapy is the biggest enemy of Torah in our generation
Too many therapists convince their clients that they must have been abused 20 years ago and then create a false reality often choosing some nice adult (rabbi counselor friend tutor…) of an inappropriate relationship which caused this client……. wreaking havoc in lives of innocent people and families.
Yisroel Picker is a reliable, courageous, and experienced source for the abused.
False accusations are not commonplace, not compared to the actual cases of abuse.
Especially in our communities, unfortunately.
It’s time people wake up and smell the coffee. Genuine leadership knows this all too well.
It is not our place to judge. Leave that to the trained experts.
Too many victims have been lost to our communities due to disbelief or negligence.
More than blame, support and proper therapeutic and spiritual healing are needed for the victims. If we want wars to end, division, and tisha ba’v on repeat, let us face the uncomfortable reality that there are abusers among us, often wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Hashem wants empowered people. Not apathy.
Healing is possible. Action required. Thank you Hashem! for the opportunity to recover.
@BocaSarah- Not sure why you think you know how common it is.
I personally know of 8 cases of completely fabricated stories and I have no connection to the world of mental health. This is just from talking to people in my regular circle of acquaintances.
This especially common within the context of divorce and parental estrangement.
I recommend a podcast which was put out last Tisha B’av Tears of the Oppressed by A. Seff.
Also, I’m pretty sure this “article” is a paid ad and Mr. Picker as noted makes his living off “victims” real or fake.
Generally, as someone who works with inmates convicted of abuse, I see that actual abusers plead guilty and make plea bargains to get out with small sentences, while innocent men who are falsely accused wind up with long sentences because they “do not show remorse” for something they didn’t do.
I surrpot the message of this article – nearly fully. We all know horror stories of victims becoming twice victimized, and abusers being protected who then go on to abuse others.
Ont the other hand, I agree with the little I know that I am not sure if “rare” is the right term to describe the commonality of false accusations. People weaponize such claims. Others are deluded. I personally know of someone whose career was ruined – and his entire life very negatively affected – because of a claim that no one thought was real, but those in charge rushed to “address” due to fears of public perception.
The only proper way is fairness and balance. Ideally, a board of professionals, with Rabbinic supervision, should be appointed to hear and judge all claims. They would need to be compensated, though I am not sure where that would come from.
“liars dividend” is an interesting term for “presumption of innocence”. the argument that all complaints must be believed runs contrary to the entire justice system.