Barb, Your statistics are so correct. It is the ones closest to you, family and friends who violate your children. We had a neighbor, was Mr. Handsome, was active in all community activities, our parish, and oh so friendly. Years later we found out he was put in prison for child molestation. His wife was my best friend, when we lived in that neighborhood and I could never understand why she would stay cooped up in her house for days. He was abusing her. They divorced and the small son had to go for visitation with the Dad, and finally spoke up and told the mother he was being molested on the visits. He is a grown man today and his life has been so messed up due to this. I knew a family where two uncles were exposing themselves to the young girls in the family. The internet is of course a new source for pediphiles to interact, and attract children. We moved to a new neighborhood and a woman who was Miss Congeniality, offered to babysit your children for free, and always wanted playdates with neighbors small kids to come play with her little 3 yr old son. Found out from her little boy, "Mommy touches me." I confronted her, reported her, and alerted the neighborhood Moms.
I would NEVER allow my child to walk to school in this day and age. My grandkids ride their bus to the end of my street, to come for me to watch them after school, and I have my hubby go meet them at their bus. You just can't be trusting today.
Marj., I do not agree with the death penalty either. I heard even though they gave the Boston bomber the death penalty, he will appeal and it could take up to six years, if ever to actually execute him.
