Title: ‘We’re not those little girls anymore’: Women who accused pastor of abuse see him in court In Tulsa County, Oklahoma, four women gathered to witness the man they once knew as their childhood preacher, Joe Campbell, appear before a district court judge. The hearing was procedural but held immense significance for these women, who had come forward decades ago with allegations of sexual abuse against Campbell in the 1980s. The case is part of an ongoing investigation into sex abuse allegations within the Assemblies of God denomination and has garnered national attention due to its connection to a recent NBC News report. The women, now aged between 53-62, have been waiting for this moment since they were children when Campbell was their pastor. Campbell is charged with first-degree rape in relation to one of the accuser’s allegations and faces additional charges if convicted. He has not yet entered a plea. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment. Outside the courtroom, neither Campbell nor his lawyer responded when approached by reporters for comment. This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions and brings attention to the need for better protection measures and support systems for victims who come forward with their stories. It also underscores the importance of holding those responsible accountable, regardless of how long ago the incidents occurred. From a historical perspective, this case adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about sexual abuse within religious institutions. As more survivors continue to speak out and seek justice, it is crucial that society pays attention and takes action against these abuses. The significance of this particular case lies in its potential impact on future cases involving similar allegations. In conclusion, while the hearing itself may have been brief, it marks a significant step forward for these women who have waited decades to see their alleged abuser face justice. It serves as a reminder that no matter how much time has passed, survivors of abuse deserve to be heard and supported in seeking accountability from those responsible.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pastor-joe-campbell-accusers-tulsa-oklahoma-court-hearing-rcna252813)
#’we’re
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!
