Protect our children!

[oink]

I would agree that most abuse cases, including sexual abuse cases, are within the family. That is the reason prosecutions are weak or nonexistent. Invariably there will be pressure from within the family to drop the prosecution. As for abuse by persons with authority in churches, I find it inexcusable. However, the same will hold true in any situation where certain people are put in positions of authority over others who trust them and look to them for leadership. The Catholic Church has the added burden of supposed celibacy. In only a very few cases will someone be so pure of heart and strong in faith, and remain that way, that they can devote themselves so totally to their god. I think there are many more Catholic priests than there are men that pure. As for solutions? I think society has to change to the point that family members shun anyone who commits such acts and activly seek their prosecution. Any other solution might have more negative consequences than the positives results would justify. I would hope the Catholic Church has learned it's lesson by now.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.