Years after The Boston Globe gave voice to the survivors of sexual abuse by priests, we are still failing young people, who, by virtue of age and dependency, are uniquely vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by trusted adults. Bob Hohler’s harrowing account of hockey coach Robert G. Richardson’s alleged abuse of two of his players clearly demonstrates this failure (“A hockey pro dies, haunted by alleged rapes by a coach,’’ Page A1, Sept. 3). Although Richardson behaved like a typical sexual offender — hosting boys overnight at his residence, paying special attention to boys of single parents — it appears that no one questioned his behavior.

Despite raised public awareness about child sexual abuse, we still often miss warning signs that, in hindsight, seem obvious. That’s why in schools, sports leagues, and any organized activities where teachers, coaches, and clergy are supervising children and teens, written policies outlining appropriate behavior must be in place. All adults involved, including parents, must receive annual training on these written policies. Children and teens must also know the policy, which should include steps they can take to safely disclose abuse.

As Hohler’s story showed, sexual abuse can derail a young person’s life, with tragic consequences. Schools, sports leagues, and faith communities must learn about, and then act on, their responsibility to reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse taking place.

Gina Scaramella

Executive director

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

Cambridge