Adrian, nobody here is condoning the abusers behaviour, it is sick and abhorent. I know someone that knows of an abuser, the victim told them what happened.
That person went and spoke to legal people etc and was told that the victim had to bring it out not them. Tough cross to bear. Guess what the "alleged" abuser was a close family member.
I'm not suggesting we stop this campaign to make people aware, what I am suggesting is that there needs to be balance.
Heres another view, I agree to some extent that it's better not to get raspberries and not get the other. But what are children losing in the meantime, quality time with their parents ? What effect will that have on them and society later on?
What will happen when a little girl grows up and meets a good man (there are a few of us around:)) and does want to give her raspberries and then she starts to not trust him, oops more divorces, more suicides because innocent men are labelled abusers.
See the issue is not whether we should/should not protect others, thats a no brainer, the issue is that we don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Educate, explain why, show kids how to be careful with others, support the victims, punish the abusers.
Educate not discriminate.
Bleedinthumb, are you saying the vets deserved to be spat on ? Ostricised ? Unsupported ? IMO I don't believe you are.
But for those that do, take it up with your member of parliament don't take it out on the vets.
Oh wait it was the government that sent men and women to war, oh wait that same member most probably doesn't really appreciate the sacrifice those people made.
Like many people, I certainly have nothing to apologise for, I had nothing to do with it so why should an elected official representing me apologise for me on my behalf ? Does it hurt to do it, sorry is just a word, will that really make up for the hurt, no. What will is action, recognition, support etc.
I think we are basically on the same wavelength, maybe we are looking at it from different angles.
I think this thread has derailed itself from the original issue so maybe I should just shut up:D