by Cape Cod Chronicle Readers
April 08, 2026

Shed More Light On Child Abuse

Editor:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. The key goal is to raise community and individual awareness through education, advocacy and action. Your reporting of local, newsworthy content that aligns with this national goal is commendable. The allegations of child abuse and trafficking as outlined in the March 12 article “Select Board Questioned Over COJ Suit Allegations” acknowledged some of Shawn DeLude’s actions as president of the nonprofit “Rock Harbor Truth” (RHT). Thank you for shining light on important questions that require answers.

The article states, “After 50 years, many survivors continue asking important questions. Are appropriate authorities fully investigating these claims? Are children being adequately protected? Is there transparency and accountability where it’s needed?” As Mr. Delude mentions, children continue to reside inside COJ, born to parents who made the choice to become members, but who are often separated from the care and love of their own parents. This raises other questions. How can we each support child abuse prevention and ensure the psychological well being of children who remain? Who oversees the safety and educational competence of homeschooled children, inside closed communities? Who gives COJ residents support, skills, and confidence if/when they decide to leave, like many have done? Instead of feeling cast out and shunned, RHT can offer a kind hand, services and encouragement on a path to independent living. Often PTSD symptoms, including suicidal ideation, emerge that require well trained experts in debriefing from religious communities.

One way to help is to donate charitable contributions through Rock Harbor Truth’s website or Facebook page. Stay informed of progress. Another is to become aware of foundations you may be supporting such as Arts Empowering Life, Inc. in Brewster, as mentioned in the article, allegedly built by COJ boys “subject to forced labor and trafficking.” More will come to light as the Ortolani lawsuit unfolds.

I applaud the Chronicle for following up with Mr. DeLude after the Orleans Select Board meeting on March 4 to get details to the public. Not mentioned was the development of an informative podcast series called “Cult on the Cape,” hosted by a survivor. DeLude’s “Rock Harbor Truth” mission, outlined so clearly in Episode 22, can be heard by anyone willing to know more.

Fittingly, as April is child abuse prevention month, some residents kicked it off with a “Walk for Truth” at Rock Harbor on April 3. It was a call to gather concerned citizens to support the exposure of ongoing abuse in our communities. I will remain committed to supporting safe, nurturing environments for children across the Cape while advocating for truth telling by continuing to listen to “Cult on the Cape” podcast episodes for a deeper understanding. RHT’s safe platform enhances transparency in our communities, while helping to create collaborative community action steps to prevent child abuse, going forward.

Carol Biondi
Brewster

https://www.capecodchronicle.com/articles/4342/view/letters-to-the-editor-april-9-2026