I’ve followed the Woody Allen story and the resurfacing accusations of Dylan Farrow carefully. I completely accept that no one except a select few – or just two, Dylan and Woody – will ever know what actually transpired.

However, the truth I do know is that regardless of whether Dylan was molested, Dylan is a victim.

I was sexually abused as a child in a situation that was a bit complex, with the abuse happening at the hands of minor – albeit an older minor who should have known that a little girl weeping and begging you to stop means what you are doing is wrong – but still a minor. And in all likelihood, a minor who had been abused himself.

I share this to be transparent about the personal history I bring with me as I follow the Farrow-Allen story. Certainly this history and personal experience informs my belief that Dylan is a victim.

As I see it, either Dylan was molested by Allen, making Dylan a victim of sexual abuse; or Dylan was manipulated by others to believe the molestation occurred, also making Dylan a victim of manipulation and, perhaps, making the molestation experience seem quite real to Dylan.

As a parent of two young children, I am aware of the influence parents have over their children. I am also aware that life is rarely black and white. It is often full of shades of gray. I am very aware that Dylan deserves respect and compassion.

I am also aware that most victims are sexually assaulted by someone they know, and that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse. So, no matter what really happen in the Dylan case, I am reminded that this type of abuse and pain is something that far too many children know all too well.

No matter what the facts are, the truth of the situation breaks my heart, not only for Dylan, but also for victims whose stories are questioned on a daily basis. The gray area surrounding this case only makes things more difficult for victims of sexual abuse whose stories are questioned, or whose cries for help go unanswered.

In my ideal world, no false accusations would ever be brought, and no actual accusations would ever be denied.

Scratch that. In my ideal world, sexual molestation, rape and sex trafficking would be obsolete, extinct. Until that happens, my hope is that victims are able to get the help they need to move forward with their lives.

I would love to share with readers local resources for those who are abused. If you know of providers, please share them in the comments. Through online research, I learned that Northridge Hospital Medical Center has a Center for Assault Treatment Services.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.