Derek Zitko, pretended to be a trusted youth pastor, soccer coach, and retired Army officer, now stands accused of heinous crimes against children. The man who was once seen as a pillar of his community is now facing charges that have shocked everyone who knew him. But behind the Derek Zitko scandal lies deeper, more troubling questions: What role did his upbringing play in shaping him into a predator? Was he raised with values that enabled such behavior? And how could his own family—his wife and eight children—turn a blind eye to the alleged abuse that happened right under their noses? Zitko’s upbringing under his mother, Sharon Blackstock, is now being scrutinized as part of the larger puzzle in understanding how a person becomes capable of such monstrous acts. While it's unfair to blame a parent solely for the actions of their adult child, the question remains: Did the way Derek Zitko was raised contribute to his predatory behavior? Parenting: Can it Create a Predator? The nature versus nurture debate is never more complicated than when discussing individuals who commit sexual abuse. Was Derek Zitko’s criminal behavior a result of his own choices, or did his upbringing under Sharon Blackstock foster tendencies that went unchecked? Parenting does not create criminals in a vacuum, but the environment in which a child is raised has a significant impact on their development. If boundaries are not clearly defined, if unhealthy behaviors are tolerated, or if trauma is not addressed, it can lead to the normalization of abusive tendencies. Parents who fail to establish moral guidelines, confront problematic behavior, or address signs of emotional distress may unknowingly create an environment where future offenders can grow unchecked. However, even the best parenting can't guarantee that a child won't grow up to commit terrible acts. Yet, understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing what can be done to prevent such behavior from being passed down through generations. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse The disturbing truth is that many sex offenders were themselves victims of abuse, creating a tragic cycle that perpetuates itself across generations. When abuse is normalized in a child’s mind, the potential for that child to repeat the behavior increases dramatically. So how do we break this cycle? 1. Address Trauma Early Many individuals who go on to abuse others have unaddressed trauma from their childhood. Providing therapeutic interventions and counseling for young children who have been abused can help them process their experiences and prevent future harm. 2. Open Conversations About Consent and Boundaries Children should be taught from an early age about bodily autonomy, consent, and personal boundaries. Creating an environment where these conversations happen openly can empower children to speak out when they feel uncomfortable and help them recognize inappropriate behavior. 3. Recognizing Early Warning Signs Parents need to be aware of behaviors that might signal troubling tendencies in their children. A lack of empathy, inappropriate sexual behavior, or manipulative tendencies are all red flags that should not be ignored. Seeking professional help early can be critical in preventing these behaviors from escalating. 4. Holding Abusers Accountable If abuse is discovered in the family, it must be confronted immediately. Turning a blind eye only allows the abuse to continue, as was allegedly the case with Derek Zitko’s wife, who lived in the same home where children were reportedly being abused during sleepovers. Ignoring the signs of abuse or failing to protect the children in the home only perpetuates the cycle. How Could Derek Zitko's Wife Turn a Blind Eye? One of the most troubling aspects of this story is the role that Derek Zitko’s wife played in allowing the alleged abuse to occur. The abuse reportedly happened in the Zitko home, during sleepovers with small children, while his wife and eight children lived under the same roof. How could a mother not see—or perhaps even worse, choose to ignore—what was happening? There are many reasons why someone might turn a blind eye to abuse, ranging from fear, denial, or manipulation, to a sense of loyalty or fear of losing financial stability. Some spouses may not want to believe that the person they love is capable of such horrible actions, so they bury their heads in the sand. Others may feel trapped and powerless to act. Regardless of the reasons, silence and inaction can be just as harmful as the abuse itself. Zitko’s wife’s failure to act, whether intentional or due to manipulation, is a reminder that enabling abuse doesn’t just happen through direct action—it can also occur through inaction. How Can the Chain of Molestation Be Broken? When sexual abuse is passed down through generations, breaking the chain becomes a monumental task. It requires a commitment to confronting the issue directly and providing support to those affected by it. Whether abuse stems from a parent, sibling, or spouse, the cycle must be addressed if it is to be broken. 1. Therapeutic Intervention for Families Families where abuse has occurred must receive therapy, not just for the victim but for the entire household. This is crucial in preventing the normalization of abuse and addressing the trauma caused by it. 2. Community and Legal Support Reporting and addressing abuse must be supported by the legal system and the broader community. This includes ensuring that abusers are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the justice and support they need to heal. 3. Education and Awareness Breaking the chain of molestation requires educating the public on the long-lasting impacts of abuse and how to prevent it. Children must learn that abuse is never their fault and that it is safe to speak out, while parents must be vigilant in addressing any early signs of inappropriate behavior. Preventing Future Abuse In families where abuse occurs, there is often a pervasive sense of secrecy and shame. But secrecy is the breeding ground for future harm. Silence allows abusers to continue unchecked, whether it’s a parent, a spouse, or another family member. Breaking the cycle of abuse requires tearing down that wall of secrecy and enabling survivors to speak out. It requires communities, families, and individuals to recognize that turning a blind eye only enables future abuse. For Derek Zitko’s victims, the damage has already been done. But for the rest of society, his case offers a harsh reminder of how important it is to recognize the signs of abuse early and to stop it in its tracks. Stopping the Cycle Derek Zitko’s story is a cautionary tale that highlights the complexity of abuse and the many layers of responsibility involved. From his upbringing under Sharon Blackstock to his wife’s silence, the pattern of abuse was allowed to grow and flourish unchecked. The question of how much his parenting contributed to his actions may never have a clear answer. But one thing is certain: parents, caregivers, and families must actively work to break the chain of abuse if future generations are to be protected. Turning a blind eye, as was allegedly done in the Zitko household, only ensures that the abuse will continue, affecting not just the direct victims but all who are caught in the web of silence. What Went Wrong Raising Derek Zitko? Derek Zitko, once a respected member of the community as a youth pastor, soccer coach, and Army officer, is now facing serious allegations of child sexual abuse. As the community grapples with these shocking revelations, many are left wondering: What went wrong in Derek Zitko’s life that led him to this point? While there is no simple answer to this question, exploring his upbringing, family dynamics, and potential influences during his childhood may offer some insight into how such behavior could develop. The Role of Parenting and Early Development Parenting plays a critical role in shaping a child's moral compass, emotional intelligence, and understanding of right and wrong. While it's important to recognize that individual choices ultimately determine adult behavior, the way a child is raised can contribute to the development of certain tendencies, both positive and negative. In Derek Zitko's case, his mother, Sharon Blackstock, was a key figure in his early life. Did her parenting style contribute to Derek's eventual behavior? It’s difficult to say definitively, but examining some general principles of child-rearing can provide insight into what may have gone wrong. Establishing Boundaries and Accountability One of the most important lessons children need to learn is the concept of personal boundaries and accountability. Parents help children understand how to respect others' space, emotions, and autonomy, which is critical to developing healthy relationships. When children are not taught the importance of boundaries, they may grow up with a distorted understanding of how to interact with others. ● Were boundaries and accountability emphasized? If boundaries were not clearly established in Derek’s upbringing, this could have led to a lack of understanding about the importance of respect and consent. Failing to address inappropriate behavior in childhood can allow these behaviors to become ingrained, making it more difficult to correct in adulthood. Recognizing Early Warning Signs Many individuals who engage in abusive behavior show warning signs earlier in life, such as a lack of empathy, manipulative tendencies, or an unhealthy obsession with control. These signs, if noticed and addressed, can sometimes prevent future harm. ● Were there any early indicators of troubling behavior? It’s possible that Derek exhibited behaviors during his childhood that went unnoticed or unaddressed. Parents may overlook or dismiss early signs of troubling behavior, hoping that it’s just a phase or that the child will grow out of it. However, when these signs go unaddressed, they can escalate into more serious issues later on. Family Dynamics and Emotional Support A child’s emotional development is deeply influenced by family dynamics. Growing up in a stable, supportive environment can help children build emotional resilience and empathy, while dysfunction or neglect can have long-lasting negative effects. ● Was there adequate emotional support? If Derek’s upbringing lacked emotional support or if he was exposed to family conflict, this could have impacted his emotional well-being and contributed to unhealthy patterns of behavior. Children who do not receive proper emotional guidance may struggle to form healthy relationships and make appropriate moral decisions. The Influence of Trauma Many individuals who engage in abusive behavior have experienced trauma or abuse themselves. While it’s not a justification for their actions, unaddressed trauma can lead to distorted perceptions of relationships and boundaries. ● Did Derek experience trauma in his childhood? If Derek was exposed to trauma or abuse, either within or outside the family, it could have played a role in his later actions. Unresolved trauma can lead to feelings of powerlessness or confusion, and without proper intervention, it can manifest in harmful ways. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse One of the most challenging aspects of abuse is that it can become a cycle, perpetuating itself across generations. However, this cycle can be broken with early intervention, education, and support. For families where abuse has occurred, the focus should be on providing emotional support to both victims and those who may be at risk of becoming perpetrators. ● How can the cycle be broken? Breaking the cycle requires addressing abuse openly and providing resources for healing. Families must foster an environment where children feel safe discussing difficult topics, and professional help should be sought when necessary. Early intervention, especially through therapy, can help prevent the repetition of harmful behaviors. Prevention: Lessons for Parents While we may never fully know what went wrong in Derek Zitko’s upbringing, there are important lessons that all parents can take away from this situation. Here are some steps that parents can take to help guide their children toward healthy emotional and moral development: 1. Teach Respect for Boundaries and Consent Children should learn from a young age that their actions impact others. Teaching children to respect personal boundaries and understand the importance of consent is critical to their emotional and moral development. 2. Encourage Open Communication Parents should create a safe environment where children feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and feelings. This open line of communication can help parents identify early signs of troubling behavior and address them before they escalate. 3. Provide Emotional Support
Topics
