BlueRob01 said:
Whilst I am of course not for a second saying that individuals should not be accountable for their actions (or in this case inactions), the issue is not one of individuals but of society. Until we all admit and recognise that nothing will fundamentally change.
These crimes need to be seen in the wider context of society perhaps finally confronting the very uncomfortable truth. That the sexual exploitation, abuse and murder of children has been occurring throughout history, in our and most societies.
Ok, we don't like it and hence some of the predictable " lets point the finger" narrow minded and simplistic attitudes which achieve nothing other than a sense of individual moral self worth and ultimately just reinforce the deep rooted issues we all must face as a society. For too long we have collectively ignored how many vulnerable kids are treated. Why? Because to admit and confront the truth is deeply disturbing to us all.
But confront it we must, collectively and all accept responsibility and accountability rather than burying our heads in the sand and looking for scapegoats to make ourselves feel better when the truth does out - as it seems it is now more and more at last.
A little harsh, although I understand your point.
Obviously child abuse, like other crime, has been going on since time immemorial. I'm guessing most people would have assumed it was relatively isolated.
The industrial scale of the Rotherham cases has been an eye-opener, just like some of the high-profile paedophilia from people like Savile. And while Savile/other celebs/politicians may conveniently be "historic", the grooming stuff is very much in the present.
Don't just blame society though. Society is a blob that can't be pinned down. There are people in authority who knew what was going on. Many of them were paid to know what was going in. Some were even complicit. They should be held to account whether or not that looks like scapegoating.
It is also vital that lessons are learned. Not the usual mealy-mouthed words uttered while things pass over and everyone returns to their cosy little numbers. Policies and procedures need to visibly change so that we see some real accountability in public services and politics.
I am not wildly optimistic. These characters are professionals when it comes to being slippery and evading responsibility. If they do it long enough they are usually rewarded by the honours system and/or consultancy jobs. It's difficult for the man/woman in the street to have any effect on them.
