Sometimes I get so sick of the media
11-22-2011, 10:01 AM
#161
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Originally Posted by SheDrivesIt' timestamp='1321983646' post='21177884
I am pretty sure that the incidence of child sexual abuse is no worse than it has been in the past. It is most likely even less than in the past as we are now more likely to talk about it rather than keep it quiet to avoid bringing shame on a community or organization. It is the same with child or spousal violence. Teen pregnancy -- same thing.
11-22-2011, 10:14 AM
#162
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While you are correct, I still find it troubling that we all get up in arms when children are abused at well respected institutions but we don't even know about the hundreds of other cases that exist in every state. What is the message? Let's stamp out child abuse at nice places???
11-22-2011, 10:52 AM
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I think it would be next to impossible to make that distinction. Incidences can't be entered into any statistical database without first being reported in some fashion. Reports are certainly on the increase. I believe it's fairly safe to state that the number of actual incidences of abuse is also on the increase as a result of population growth. And that's ignoring all other social, cultural, and behavioral factors, for examples, that may contribute to an increase.
11-22-2011, 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by DrCloud' timestamp='1321988489' post='21178117
The actual rate? Or the reporting of it? HPH
11-22-2011, 05:32 PM
#165
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What I find mind-boggling is the statistic that about 20% of girls have been molested. Thinking back to high school, a typical class had about 30 students; 15 of those would be girls; statistically 3 would have been victims of molestation.
11-23-2011, 07:53 AM
#166
You can obtain some mind numbing statisitcs from your department of social services, as well as any number of specific horror stories that never see the light of day because the media can't be bothered reporting about a child abused by a family member or some unknown deviant. Some of this has to do with privacy provisions that protect the victim. But the bottom line is that child abuse is a nasty little side of the human condition that most are just as happy not knowing about. When a case pops up involving a well respected institution, public figures and a cover-up, it gets all the press and outrage. More importantly, it gets the full weight of the law. But for every Sandusky who faces life in prison, there are a hundred who will not be prosecuted or will get to plea to some lesser crime and serve no time.
11-23-2011, 08:07 AM
#167
It is a sad state of affairs, I agree, LB. But I notice that this sordid episode has brought out victims in other situations, so maybe it will have an effect on those who are reluctant to come forward in any circumstance. 
11-23-2011, 01:14 PM
#168
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Bill, sad but true. Deb I noticed the same thing.
11-23-2011, 01:21 PM
#169
11-23-2011, 01:47 PM
#170
Yep, he had adopted sons and took in foster kids. I've been waiting for the family members to come forward. I have no doubt that was another way for him to get to victims.