Merged Boy Scouts' Perversion Files.

[Aepervius]

I see what you are saying but I do not agree with the "literally nothing can be done". Surely there are redundancies or rules that would reduce it dramatically.

Something like: X number of adults have to be around at all times. There being just 1 adult with any number of kids is strictly forbidden. Zero tolerance for violations of that rule. Etc.

If X was two, it might not work, they could both be bad. But, for instance, if the required number (X) was unworkably high. Say, 100 adults. Then there would be no deceitful scheming going on.

If it was 4 or so, it should reduce the problems dramatically.

Just make sure all scoutmaster can only be female . Since the proportion of female pedophile seems to be lower than male by more than 1 order of magnitude, having 1 female or 3 female and no male whatsoever reach the same effect without expanse.

 

[Flo]

Might have more sympathy for the good guys if more of them those who knew something had stood up to be counted and opposed the efforts to cover up.

Never forget that those perverts are very good at hiding their crimes from their colleagues and at making sure their victims don't talk.

Here in the UK we have the Jimmy Savile paedophile scandal developing by the day. Some at the BBC tried to prevent the story coming out, and the cost, financial and reputation, is far greater due to attempts to smother the story.
Further, because of cover ups some of the offenders, like Savile, die before they can be brought to justice. It is the victims we should consider above all else, and condemn the perpetrators and anyone who aided and abetted them, actively or passively!

That is one thing that isn't repeated enough : at one point, you'll have to deal openly with such a scandal, and you'll fare much better if you do it before the press and the public discover you knew about it and did nothing. It may also have the added benefit of protecting future victims, and maybe even make you and your organisation to look good and be trusted by the public ...

ETA: it may even deter future abusers, knowing they won't be protected by the organization.

In fairness, any and every mid-to-large-scale youth organization everywhere is going to have an over-representation of such individuals among its membership, simply because that's where the access to kids is. The Boy Scouts could completely expunge every last shadow of homophobia or even moral preaching from its bylaws tomorrow, and it would continue to be pedophile-ridden as long as it exists. There's quite literally nothing that can be done except to kick them out as they're caught; and of course by then, one or more children are already damaged.

Even small youth organizations are concerned, but steps can be taken to minimize the risks, like
- having clear and open policies about reporting any and all cases of abuse, sexual or not, by the victims, their parents and guardians, and other members of the organization,
- better screening of applicants to any leading position,
- avoiding risky situations (adults alone with kids, etc.),
- involving parents and guardians as much as possible,
- and especially educating kids about "what is abuse", their individual rights when faced with educators, leaders, etc., behaviors they should be wary of and/or report, outside people and organizations they can trust should they have a complaint, etc.

 

[Checkmite]

Even small youth organizations are concerned, but steps can be taken to minimize the risks, like
- having clear and open policies about reporting any and all cases of abuse, sexual or not, by the victims, their parents and guardians, and other members of the organization,
- better screening of applicants to any leading position,
- avoiding risky situations (adults alone with kids, etc.),
- involving parents and guardians as much as possible,
- and especially educating kids about "what is abuse", their individual rights when faced with educators, leaders, etc., behaviors they should be wary of and/or report, outside people and organizations they can trust should they have a complaint, etc.

I don't mean to sound cynical, but I feel these measures are more useful as damage control than as practical methods to reduce risk. Just by way of example, the Boy Scouts has had all four of those things you suggested as official nationwide policies for at least the last two decades; yet these problems persist in that organization; I'm not sure they've even meaningfully reduced the number of incidents.

 

[Flo]

I don't mean to sound cynical, but I feel these measures are more useful as damage control than as practical methods to reduce risk. Just by way of example, the Boy Scouts has had all four of those things you suggested as official nationwide policies for at least the last two decades; yet these problems persist in that organization; I'm not sure they've even meaningfully reduced the number of incidents.

I'm under no illusion myself. Most organisations do and will profess to follow such measures, but will revert to the usual means of trying to sweep the dirt under the carpet as soon as the proverbial **** hits the fan.

For such measures to become efficient would need the elimination of the special protections that churches, youth groups and sports enjoy, as well as, god forbid, a frank discussion of "things of a sexual nature" with parents, educators and, gasp, children themselves.