A story of resilience, survival

The Columbus Dispatch: A new memoir from two of Ariel Castro’s victims is a story of resilience and survival on the part of two young Cleveland women who suffered unimaginably after being kidnapped by a sick and evil man. It also is a reminder that there are young people being trafficked and abused every day, and that people should be aware and report things that they find suspicious.

Many question how the events recounted in “Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland” could have gone on with neighbors nearby .

Some neighbors say they called the police; Cleveland police said they have no record of such reports. But reporting suspicions is vital. Those who fight abuse and human trafficking have picked up the expression “If you see something, say something.”

People often are afraid to get involved, figuring it’s none of their business or simply reasoning that there’s no upside to calling police. But authorities rely on people to alert them to problems. Whether it’s a block-watch group, a single neighbor or a concerned family member or friend, people need to be the eyes and ears for their community. Someone’s life could depend on it.