RE “A response that compounds the pain’’ (Spotlight, Page A1, July 24): It comes as no surprise that those who report sexual abuse receive retaliation from those who are socially connected to the abuser. This is a longstanding pattern. An accusation of abuse, even when it is believed, shakes a social system dramatically. And that system seeks to re-establish order. The quickest way to do this is to shun, or in other ways throw out, the accuser.

Speaking of the abuse, even decades later, sets in motion this same system of protecting the abuser at the expense of the abused. It is important for us to maintain the strong social connections that support us in so many ways in our churches, schools, workplaces, and families. The easiest way to do this is to expel the one who speaks the unspeakable.

The pressure on the abused to “forgive’’ the abuser is another aspect of this complex system. Forgiveness allows others to gloss over the evil that has been done, once again compelling the abused to restore order. This entire system works hard to silence the abused, while protecting the abuser.

The Globe Spotlight Team is doing a service to humanity with its ongoing attention to these issues. These patterns are beginning to break up. We have a long way to go. I thank you deeply for this work.

McNamara Buck

Cambridge