September 25, 2006

Concern Grows Over Child Abuse
*
Reading this shows me just how far America has come, and how far many other places need to go. At least here in America, even though some programs aren't being enforced, at least we have them in place.
*
"There is also however the argument that introducing a tracking system and database would potentially make it dangerous for perpetrators because of vigilantism."
*
There is always a danger for this, in any country, but, isn't it better to have it and insure the safety of the populace, then to not have it? Stiff penalties for those that do kill offenders can hamper that, but what would happen if they are not tracked? It would be like here in America, where Sexual Offenders move and don't inform the system that is supposed to be keeping an eye on them, and yet, the system doesn't find out until months later, when the Offenders whereabouts is unknown. So many Offenders are loose and are living without the system knowing where. Is that truly protecting our children?
*
"There are numerous examples in which people are seen with certain persons within the community who are known offenders. We have also noticed that many of our young people are coming into danger because of neglect and it is so sad sometimes that it is not until after something happens that attention is placed on such a critical issue. I always go back to the community," Mr. Dames said.
*
Isn't this true in America? Isn't it true that DV is forgotten until you hear yet another horror story in the news? Until a family member is affected? Is DV truly understood to be the crisis situation that it is? So many times the system fails yet another victim, another family. So many times there are programs in place to help protect the innocent, yet, it falls short and the victim pays, many times with their lives.
*
"At the end of the day, all of us have a vested responsibility of ensuring that our kids are not abused, which first starts in the home and so it is all well and good if these (proposals) are going to have the effect that we anticipate, but we should not abdicate our responsibility…We need to build on strengthening families."
*
Amen to that! So many times we do rely on the system too much. We trust schools to teach our children, daycares to watch our children, police officers to protect us, and the courts to enforce. But, doesn't all of this have to start at home? Because the schools are teaching our children, should we as parents stop? Because daycares are watching our children, should we not watch that daycare to insure they are doing their jobs? Police Officers can only do so much, we are responsible for our safety, and in making it so that our children are safe. Courts can enforce, but only if you have the presence of mind to have evidence to substantiate your claim.
America may have a long way to go, as new stories of horrors unfold every day show, but I am glad that we have programs in affect to help us protect our children and our families. I pray that in years to come, more programs and laws are passed to fill in the holes..........

Support is fast growing in some circles for more stringent provisions in the Sexual Offences Act, particularly following the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl last week, which left many outraged and others saddened.
A 32-year-old man has since been arraigned in connection with the crime. Andrew Bridgewater was charged last Monday with forcible detention and unlawful sexual intercourse. He is on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison.
*
TB

No comments:

Post a Comment