[Acrylic-bob]

As the victim of abuse at the hands of parents and friends of the family I'd like to stick my two pennorth in here. But before I begin let me say that I don't want anyone's sympathy, I have no use for it.


I am sorry to have to say this but your pathetically ineffectual macho posturing is almost as offensive and hurtful as the original assaults. I am sick to the back teeth with all the hysteria surrounding this subject, whipped up by the tabloid media and perpetuated by people who are unable to think for themselves. I can fully appreciate that parents may be anxious about the safety of their children, especially when one considers what might happen, but the remedy for such fears is simple; take greater care of them! Know were they are and who they are with - at all times! Give up some of your precious time and effort to monitor who they are communicating with. Children are not playthings or fashion accessories to be dumped in front of the electronic nanny when they get tiresome, or didn’t your parents teach you that?

There can be no argument that it is not wrong for an adult to use a child for sexual gratification, just as there can be no argument that such individuals should not suffer the full penalty of the law on conviction. Living as we do, in a Country which according to the census describes itself as 70% Christian, places ethical obligations upon us. Firstly, we are required to forgive the transgressor, Secondly we are required to permit the transgressor to get on with his life once he has shown remorse and made some form of restitution or recompense. And that should be an end of it!

But it seems that there are sections of our society who take a perverse pleasure in wallowing in the misery of others. Just as there appears to be a section of society who are determined to be victims, even in the absence of any crime.

As for the walking wounded, the vast majority of us would much prefer to be left in peace, to try and forget and to get on with our lives. It helps no one to have this sort of reminder stuffed in your face day after day.

If you are determined to root out this modern scourge, perhaps it would be helpful to bear in mind that most child abuse happens in the home or at the hands of family friends. Perhaps that would be a better place to begin your purge rather than congregating at school gates threatening to lynch anyone of even a vaguely male gender.