Chris Chandler pleads guilty to CSA-March 20, 2014

[mdm]

Apr 17, 2014 3:52:21 GMT -5 @passerby said:

Thanks again for your prompt reply Clearday. It is good to know that.

Chris Johnston wrote in the newspaper article from pg 1 of this thread:
"From 1991 until 2004 Chandler was in Wodonga, Shepparton, Launceston and rural Tasmania. He later positioned himself within the sect as a counsellor and contact for victims of child sexual abuse."

I just can't visualise behaviour that might draw such a description. I speculated it might have something to do with Wings. Things may have changed but the group I grew up in didn't have workers positioned for counsellors or points of contact for minors in any regard. It is way out of whack that Chris or anyone else might see him fit for any role with victims of CSA.

Clearday posted : It is only a very recent development that worker management has been coming around to the idea that CSA crimes should be reported and/or admitted to. The self-protective reflex is very strong within the culture.

For sure. Way I see it is the group is really an affiliated group of fiefdoms world wide. Sure most of the fiefdoms may be grappling with the relatively quick change in community values with regard to CSA over the last couple of decades. Question is, does the 'self-protective reflex' actually reflect what is happening in Victoria or is there more to it? Has the Victorian worker group normalised sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behaviour to the extent it has developed an understanding that is way out of whack with the rest of the Victorian (and western world) community?

Passerby, it seems to me that the Victorian "problem" is not just Victorian. Here in the US, we've been told that overseers "used to think that the problem was only in the particular child or woman, and that the solution was to move the offending worker away from the problem child or woman." That speaks to me of "normalization" of sexual abuse and immorality. Is it any different today? I don't think so. But, internet and mandatory reporting laws are changing the practice of leaving CSA offenders in the work. However, there is still a lot of opposition in the ministry against dealing with offenders in an open way, if at all.  

[rational]

Apr 17, 2014 2:25:47 GMT -5 magpie said:

rational g'day. Well try---en.wikipedia.org/wiki/paraphilia.----Chemical castration for so many workers?

Looking at the Wikipedia definition for the umbrella term for sexual disorders doesn't really provide much insight.

NO, the mental disorder has been mostly shown as unaltered,and other methods of getting kicks overule physical alteration.

First, with chemical castration thete is no physical alteration. A little further research would show you that this is indeed the case for those diagnosed as pedophiles who are exclusively attracted to prepubescent individuals.

NOT a success.

Not with that group but I do not think any of the workers who have been mentioned have been diagnosed as pedophiles. The current thinking is that pedophilia is caused by someone who is neuroanatomically different from the norm and chemical castration is not effective.

But you think these types amongst celibate ministries & workers should be on medications or chemical surgery,to keep preaching or to stop criminal CSA?

I think when someone is ill, has a problem that may respond to treatment, and is willing to work towards that end should have that opportunity made available to them. It does not mean this is an excuse for their crimes or for any behavior but it does offer a possibility for treatment.

We of Gods kingdom are Royal also "children" of a great Kingdom of God.

This is not a spiritual issue - it is a criminal issue. It is clear that waiting for or expecting some paranormal being to stop or somehow help out with child abuse is not going to happen. Waiting for it is bordering on criminal behavior.

Mislabeling offenders as pedophiles may be convenient but makes it confusing unless you state that you are using your own definition of well defined words. Defining someone as a pedophile and deciding on that to preclude treatment is like deciding that someone born deaf is mentally handicapped and consigning them to an institution.

[rational]

Apr 17, 2014 2:25:47 GMT -5 magpie said:

rational g'day. Well try---en.wikipedia.org/wiki/paraphilia.----Chemical castration for so many workers?

Looking at the Wikipedia definition for the umbrella term for sexual disorders doesn't really provide much insight.

NO, the mental disorder has been mostly shown as unaltered,and other methods of getting kicks overule physical alteration.

First, with chemical castration thete is no physical alteration. A little further research would show you that this is indeed the case for those diagnosed as pedophiles who are exclusively attracted to prepubescent individuals.

NOT a success.

Not with that group but I do not think any of the workers who have been mentioned have been diagnosed as pedophiles. The current thinking is that pedophilia is caused by someone who is neuroanatomically different from the norm and chemical castration is not effective.

But you think these types amongst celibate ministries & workers should be on medications or chemical surgery,to keep preaching or to stop criminal CSA?

I think when someone is ill, has a problem that may respond to treatment, and is willing to work towards that end should have that opportunity made available to them. It does not mean this is an excuse for their crimes or for any behavior but it does offer a possibility for treatment.

We of Gods kingdom are Royal also "children" of a great Kingdom of God.

This is not a spiritual issue - it is a criminal issue. It is clear that waiting for or expecting some paranormal being to stop or somehow help out with child abuse is not going to happen. Waiting for it is bordering on criminal behavior.

Mislabeling offenders as pedophiles may be convenient but makes it confusing unless you state that you are using your own definition of well defined words. Defining someone as a pedophile and deciding on that to preclude treatment is like deciding that someone born deaf is mentally handicapped and consigning them to an institution.

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2014 10:30:24 GMT -5 mdm said:

Apr 17, 2014 3:52:21 GMT -5 @passerby said:

Thanks again for your prompt reply Clearday.

Clearday posted : It is only a very recent development that worker management has been coming around to the idea that CSA crimes should be reported and/or admitted to. The self-protective reflex is very strong within the culture.

For sure. Way I see it is the group is really an affiliated group of fiefdoms world wide. Sure most of the fiefdoms may be grappling with the relatively quick change in community values with regard to CSA over the last couple of decades. Question is, does the 'self-protective reflex' actually reflect what is happening in Victoria or is there more to it? Has the Victorian worker group normalised sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behaviour to the extent it has developed an understanding that is way out of whack with the rest of the Victorian (and western world) community?

Passerby, it seems to me that the Victorian "problem" is not just Victorian. Here in the US, we've been told that overseers "used to think that the problem was only in the particular child or woman, and that the solution was to move the offending worker away from the problem child or woman." That speaks to me of "normalization" of sexual abuse and immorality. Is it any different today? I don't think so. But, internet and mandatory reporting laws are changing the practice of leaving CSA offenders in the work. However, there is still a lot of opposition in the ministry against dealing with offenders in an open way, if at all.  

I am sure you are right Maja. It is a worldwide problem for the group.

That said, as I posted above I see the 2by2's as a affiliation of fiefdoms. The friends in the west of US might change the ministries attitude but still not have any influence on those in the east. In this sense I see it relevant to keep the focus on the local group. In short the friends in Victoria are responsible for their own worker group and its behaviour. Two workers from Victoria have been found guilty of CSA. The leader of the friends in Victoria has made public statements that the majority of Victorians would find unacceptable and distasteful. The friends in Victoria should be reminded of that as they are the ones who have the power to change it.

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2014 10:13:12 GMT -5 @passerby said:

Clearday posted: "I am not sure either what Chris Johnston is referring to. CC had no direct contact with WINGS. I do know that he had some contact with victims but whether he "positioned himself as a counsellor and a contact" may or may not be a bit of a stretch. We do know that he was considered an anti-CSA-friendly worker and as I mentioned, indicated that he felt ostracized from the Victoria worker group for being anti-CSA. At this point, if he was ostracized in his latter worker-days, it may have been for his anti-CSA stance, his CSA history, or his seemingly hypocritical position.....or.... "

In this light I am beginning to wonder if Chris Johnston should be viewed as objective or accurate. Is this a stretch, what else has he stretched?

In my view, Chris Johnston is on a crusade and is not objective. I'm not saying that's entirely bad and the crusade is certainly a worthy cause but I do feel he "colours" his language to manipulate the sentiments of the readers.

With regard to his comment on CC's "positioning", we know that there are no worker counsellors on any particular subject. All workers are supposed to be everything to the friends in their field. If a worker gets caught counselling someone in another field, particularly if their advice differs from the local worker, there are consequences. So CC certainly never was an actual CSA counsellor as such, although I do understand he did discuss the issue with people outside his field. And as I mentioned, he did provide input into the Guidelines. So Chris Johnston's can't be called wrong......but I think he is stretching the facts. Most likely word got around that CC was open for CSA discussion unlike most workers and people contacted him......I doubt he was actually "positioning himself", it would have progressed rather naturally that people would contact him.

Clearday posted: "My understanding about the broader Victorian culture is that certain forms of CSA were fairly normalized at one time, particularly in Tasmania. It is believed that Chris Chandler grew up in a culture in which CSA was rampant, not just among 2x2's. I think the greatly outdated laws in Victoria are an indicator of that. So the current trend is a change of culture for the whole state as well as for the F&Ws. David Leitch's comment about doing his own investigations is a subtle reminder that he remains in a CSA-soft mindset and he likely represents a serious cultural resistance to change."

Hmmm. What is that understanding based upon? As a Victorian from the inside that is not my understanding. I'm not putting on my nationalistic Victorian hat here, just wondering if your assessment of outdated laws is hearsay or based on a good understanding. I wouldn't have thought current law in Victoria is that outdated, guess it depends relative to who. Certainly the recent senate enquiry has suggested changes that would bring Victoria to a better position. I'd definitely challenge your suggestion the current trend is a change of culture for the whole state and I would also challenge Victoria has a 'CSA-soft mindset', if that is what you were suggesting.

Victoria and Tasmania are two seperate states, with quite different cultural histories, quite different socio-economic environments both past and present. That they are linked within the 2by2 group into one overseer area does not reflect any link in reality. Being generally of lower socio-economic status and with a strong convict history Tasmania has often been genaralised by mainland aussies as full of two heads, incest, etc. They are simplistic, general views with their only truth being these sort of issues are more common amongst lower socio-economic groups. They are certainly not the hot-spot states in terms of CSA in Australia now or over the last few decades. I challenge the view the law in Australia in any region has ever been particularly CSA-soft.

I don't know a lot about Chris's background but I know he was connected with French Island at some time, not certain he grew up there. That is a small, isolated community and perhaps the words CSA-soft environment might be more relevant there. Don't know.

My understanding comes mainly from knowing and discussing this issue with quite a few Victorians and Tasmanians (friends and ex-friends) who are very familiar with the subject. This is merely what is being conveyed to me. Something that corroborates that is the slowness of change in the child abuse laws in Victoria which were far behind most of the rest of the world and indicates a public and consequently a legislature that has been soft on CSA.

Yes, I understand Tasmania has a different culture than Victoria and my information is that CSA is believed to have higher incidences than mainland Australia. I haven't confirmed that though.....just going by what people from Tas and Vic have indicated to me. However, Victorians are telling me that, at least among the F&Ws, they believe that there are higher incidences of CSA in Vic than in other parts of Australia.

I think your understanding gives David Leitch, the Victorian worker group and the 2by2's in victoria a soft landing they don't deserve. David Leitch and the Victorians I grew up with knew CSA was wrong 5 decades ago. Catholic priests have been going to prison in Victoria for over 3 decades now for CSA related offences and it has been in the news in Victoria repeatedly over that time. There is no excuse and no need for a reminder. David Leitch made it to the Age not because of some gentle reminder but because his comments were so out of whack with the community around him.

I don't intend to give Leitch a soft landing. There is no excuse for his handling of CSA nor his position on the subject.

[Deleted]

Clearday posted: "In my view, Chris Johnston is on a crusade and is not objective." Ditto!

Clearday posted: My understanding comes mainly from knowing and discussing this issue with quite a few Victorians and Tasmanians (friends and ex-friends) who are very familiar with the subject. This is merely what is being conveyed to me. Something that corroborates that is the slowness of change in the child abuse laws in Victoria which were far behind most of the rest of the world and indicates a public and consequently a legislature that has been soft on CSA.

Yes, I understand Tasmania has a different culture than Victoria and my information is that CSA is believed to have higher incidences than mainland Australia. I haven't confirmed that though.....just going by what people from Tas and Vic have indicated to me. However, Victorians are telling me that, at least among the F&Ws, they believe that there are higher incidences of CSA in Vic than in other parts of Australia."

Orright. Well either you are misinterpreting your sources or they are not that good. I smell broad cliches from your sources rather than accurate insight, with regards to the broader communities of Vic or Tas. I am not sure about this 'slowness to change' in Victoria because I know nothing about where 'the rest of the world' is at. Last time I looked thats not the way I would see it but then we may have a different concept of the 'rest of the world'. What I can and will say is that using your assessment of the rate of change to interpret the Victorian public has been soft on CSA is a leap. The rate of change in a society is about more than what the general public might want. The power of the Catholic Church in Victoria, for example, might have something to do with this.

If you are only talking about F's & W's you may be right about a higher incidence of CSA in Tasmania or Victoria when compared to the rest of Australia. If you are talking about the broader population the simple answer is no, that is inaccurate.

There can be a higher incidence of CSA in geographically, culturally or religously isolated communities. That might reflect parts of Tassie, Victoria not so much. This doesn't mean that the broader community in the state is slow to react or soft on CSA. For example: South Australia mandated ministers a good while back and might seem relatively progressive but in fact have communities where the incidence of CSA amongst females <14yrs has been estimated as >90% a few years back. Does this mean the general population are soft on CSA? I don't know the stats but can surmise there may be a higher incidence of CSA committed by Catholic priests in a state like Victoria compared to other states simply as a reflection of higher proportion of Catholics and Catholic institutions here. Again that does not necessarily correlate to the broader communities values.

I know it wasn't your intention to give David Leitch a 'soft landing'. I thought it relevant to challenge any notion that the actions and choices of the Vic/Tas worker group might in part reflect a soft or backward approach (compared to other states of Australia) to CSA in the broader community of that region. I see it as a simiplistic and inaccurate analysis.

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2014 5:50:16 GMT -5 Ross.Bowden said:

Apr 17, 2014 3:52:21 GMT -5 @passerby said:

For sure. Way I see it is the group is really an affiliated group of fiefdoms world wide. Sure most of the fiefdoms may be grappling with the relatively quick change in community values with regard to CSA over the last couple of decades. Question is, does the 'self-protective reflex' actually reflect what is happening in Victoria or is there more to it? Has the Victorian worker group normalised sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behaviour to the extent it has developed an understanding that is way out of whack with the rest of the Victorian (and western world) community?

I can't imagine a worker leadership group wanting to normalise but all their actions point to the leadership group being completely out of their depth and many actions seem to simply add to the problem. To change a culture you need to start at the top. It would appear high time for David Leitch to step aside and let someone else come in from outside who may be more able to clean out much dirty linen.

The only time DL and Victoria have been publicly criticised is by Graham Thompson. GT has now stood aside so DL has effectively won this battle.

What I don't understand is why the elders in Victoria haven't demanded accountability from the leadership group.

Rather it seems that some have bankrolled cover-ups and supporting EB which must be highly embarrassing.

In the light of The Age newspaper articles have the elders got together and demanded a clean-out?

If not, why not?

Hey Ross. By normalising I meant had become so used to sexual assault and inappropriate sexual behaviour that is was the norm for them. For example, viewing E. Barry as failing to control normal human urges rather than acting upon abnormal urges. Workers viewing sex with parishioners as indiscretion rather than abuse of power.

I don't want to be argumentative but I disagree changing a culture starts at the top. Effective change comes from below rather than a decree from above. When all those folk born in the 30's, 40's and to a lesser extent 50's in Tas/Vic are keen for change it will happen.

[emmarr75]

Hi Passerby

You've pointed to an interesting generation of people to create and cause change: those born in the 30s, 40s and 40s. By now they would be considered the "senior" generation and the most appropriate to demand the change necessary.

How many of them actually feel that they are able?

In Victoria there has been a "hiding under the desks" mentality from that particular generation. There is a previous history of those who spoke out and voiced concerns being targeted and "pushed out" of the group. I suspect that many who would have led such a change have already left the friends and workers.

[xna]

Apr 17, 2014 19:40:17 GMT -5 emmarr75 said:

.... There is a previous history of those who spoke out and voiced concerns being targeted and "pushed out" of the group....

------

[magpie]

Hi Global Moderator,,, Yes you are right, But as serious as anything and as cruel as evading CSA for an age of decades,as the RCC for centuries? Under the Irvine 2x2 doctorine to push out/ostracise one is to judge and cast them into a lost eternity ,(hell,out of their psuedo kingdom). And the weak followers dont disagree. What's worse than sending a person in your "mind and actions" to hell,for eternity? Thankfully God has been able to lead many of the ostracised into fruitful service and fellowships.And thankfully God would put them (the ostracised) on the list of abused,hurt and rejected the ones Jesus was conserned with during His ministry and today many church ministries likewise,where welfare and justice is just "part" of their overall ministries.

[emy]

I have a question. Was Chris Chandler the worker who was involved in CSA before he went in the work? maybe before he professed?

[magpie]

HI EMY,,, yes he was,appears 12 charges. Re being a sect member,his mum and dad were loyal royal members.They were so bound up in 2x2s exclusiveness that Chris was named after Chris Williams a (dec)former State elder.Some doubts about him have snuck out of South America in recent times,hope it is not true. CSA is so cruel and life damaging.

[emy]

Thank you, Magpie. Is it Chris C or Chris W who is the person of interest in the South American rumors?

[magpie]

EMY,, Chris C,worked in S.America. Chris W,was elder after Bill Carroll years ago.Regards Maggie.

[xna]

FYI

BishopAccountability.org maintains a library in Waltham, MA, and a large online archive of documents, reports, and newspaper articles documenting the sexual abuse of children by persons employed by religious institutions, and the mismanagement by religious leaders of abuse allegations. Their collection of newspaper articles covers sexual abuse in all religions and denominations worldwide.

[xna]

Apr 22, 2014 19:52:20 GMT -5 xna said:

FYI

BishopAccountability.org maintains a library in Waltham, MA, and a large online archive of documents, reports, and newspaper articles documenting the sexual abuse of children by persons employed by religious institutions, and the mismanagement by religious leaders of abuse allegations. Their collection of newspaper articles covers sexual abuse in all religions and denominations worldwide.

An example of their archive

www.bishop-accountability.org/news2014/list/tracker2014_03_04.htm#recent

[whyisitso]

Apr 22, 2014 19:52:20 GMT -5 xna said:

FYI

BishopAccountability.org maintains a library in Waltham, MA, and a large online archive of documents, reports, and newspaper articles documenting the sexual abuse of children by persons employed by religious institutions, and the mismanagement by religious leaders of abuse allegations. Their collection of newspaper articles covers sexual abuse in all religions and denominations worldwide.

Xna, it looks to be only Catholic? I can't see any other churches/faiths mentioned?
Wish there was tho!

[whyisitso]

Apr 22, 2014 20:02:08 GMT -5 whyisitso said:

Apr 22, 2014 19:52:20 GMT -5 xna said:

FYI

BishopAccountability.org maintains a library in Waltham, MA, and a large online archive of documents, reports, and newspaper articles documenting the sexual abuse of children by persons employed by religious institutions, and the mismanagement by religious leaders of abuse allegations. Their collection of newspaper articles covers sexual abuse in all religions and denominations worldwide.

Xna, it looks to be only Catholic? I can't see any other churches/faiths mentioned?
Wish there was tho!

Sorry.... My mistake. Thanks for the link.

[xna]

Apr 22, 2014 20:02:08 GMT -5 whyisitso said:

Apr 22, 2014 19:52:20 GMT -5 xna said:

FYI

BishopAccountability.org maintains a library in Waltham, MA, and a large online archive of documents, reports, and newspaper articles documenting the sexual abuse of children by persons employed by religious institutions, and the mismanagement by religious leaders of abuse allegations. Their collection of newspaper articles covers sexual abuse in all religions and denominations worldwide.

Xna, it looks to be only Catholic? I can't see any other churches/faiths mentioned?
Wish there was tho!

It's not just all catholic, but they do get a lot of press. As far as I know this is the worlds largest database on the subject.
Scroll down this recent news page and you will see other sects.
www.bishop-accountability.org/news2014/list/tracker2014_03_04.htm#recent

[magpie]

The beam in our own eye? Per capita of RCC priesthood, Per capita of 2x2s priesthood, both genders?And in both cases dont discount those who are genuinely serving God for others,the best they know,or, who as 2x2s sadly embracing a doctorine of critical judgement,blinded by their own beam and feel so free to stop people from entering Heaven if they challenge them over theology or such things as sex indescretions or crimes.

[magpie]

REMEMBER .PAEDOPHILIA PLEASE. ONE WHO SEXUALLY FINDS  GRATIFICATION IN PRE PUBESENT CHILDREN,VULNERABLES,AND NON HUMAN VICTIMS? SO WHY NOT HAVE THEM TO ANSWER TO THAT??? IT IS A MENTAL DISORDER...    IF THEY CLAIM THEY OR YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE NOT INCURABLE PAEDOPHILES IT IS WORSE? ANIMALS OF A NORMAL MIND DESTROYING CRUELY, CHILDRENS LIVES  KNOWING WHAT THEY ARE DOING,CRUEL. THEY CANNOT CLAIM PAEDOPHILIA AS AN EXCUSE. SO ACCEPT THEY ARE EITHER ONE MENTALLY SICK OR THE BRUTAL OTHER?

[jscc1]

Look up WEB----Open letter to people in the 2x2 way by reuel leach.
or---ruel leach letter. Other letters pertaiing to this and testimonies re same pop up now and then.

[Gene]

May 3, 2014 18:12:50 GMT -5 jscc1 said:

Look up WEB----Open letter to people in the 2x2 way by reuel leach.
or---ruel leach letter. Other letters pertaiing to this and testimonies re same pop up now and then.

That guy needs a daily valium regimen.

[Deleted]

May 3, 2014 20:53:19 GMT -5 Gene said:

May 3, 2014 18:12:50 GMT -5 jscc1 said:

Look up WEB----Open letter to people in the 2x2 way by reuel leach.
or---ruel leach letter. Other letters pertaiing to this and testimonies re same pop up now and then.

That guy needs a daily valium regimen.

The same thing occurred to me the last time I read one of his.

[Deleted]

May 9, 2014 0:32:42 GMT -5 Ross.Bowden said:

Victoria Premier has today announced proposed changes to Victorian state law...

www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/no-limits-for-sex-abuse-claims-in-victoria/story-fngburq5-1226910928428

Could you give us some more information on the law change? That article is premium content and not accessible. (Edit: got it)



Did the Victorian government ever complete its proposed overhaul of the of Serious Sex Offenders Act as it promised in late 2012? The law regarding suppression of information about offenders was one of the worst in the world and promoted a culture of secrecy about CSA.



Bravehearts Backs Victoria’s Tougher New Sex Offender Laws
12 SEPTEMBER 2012

Bravehearts has applauded the decision by the Victorian Government to overhaul sex offender legislation that would result in longer jail time and naming and shaming paedophiles.
Bravehearts founder and executive director Hetty Johnston said the laws will serve to better protect children.

“For too long paedophiles have been protected under suppression orders and the cone of silence from which they operate,” she said.

“Silence, secrecy and shame are the sex offender’s best friends and the child’s worst enemies. Now judges in Victoria will be required to take into account other factors when deciding whether to suppress the names and locations of serious offenders.

“Bravehearts commends the decision by the Victorian Government. This is a big win for Australian children who have the right to feel safe and informed about those who present as a threat to the community.

“What we really need now is consistency across all jurisdictions in relation to outlining clear criteria for judges when ordering suppression of offenders’ names.”

Victoria’s Corrections Minister Andrew McInstosh announced yesterday that he would introduce amendments to the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009 (SSO(DS) Act) to require judges to take into account new criteria when deciding whether to suppress the names and locations of serious sex offenders.

"Under these changes, judges will also have to assess the offender's history of complying with orders, and their current whereabouts,” he said.

[Deleted]

If the alleged abuser is a parent, guardian or close associate of a parent or guardian then the law effectively states that cases must be pursued by the time the victim has turned 37 if the abuse occurred after May 2003.

If the abuse occurred before then, the law requires victims to bring their claims by the age of 24.

so if i am understanding it right a statute of limitations is still in effect its just longer than before? i wonder where they came up with those numbers...

[Deleted]

May 9, 2014 11:35:55 GMT -5 @wally said:

If the alleged abuser is a parent, guardian or close associate of a parent or guardian then the law effectively states that cases must be pursued by the time the victim has turned 37 if the abuse occurred after May 2003.

If the abuse occurred before then, the law requires victims to bring their claims by the age of 24.

so if i am understanding it right a statute of limitations is still in effect its just longer than before? i wonder where they came up with those numbers...

They look at the average length of time that it takes for a victim of child sexual abuse to report it or instigate legal proceedings. Something like this gets taken into account:

"The Victorian Police testified that on average it takes a Survivor 24.5 years on average before they instigate Civil proceedings in regards to their abuse as a child. "

Some advocates in Victoria have petitioned for complete removal of the Limitation period for all child sexual abuse.

[faune]

Apr 17, 2014 19:40:17 GMT -5 emmarr75 said:

Hi Passerby

You've pointed to an interesting generation of people to create and cause change: those born in the 30s, 40s and 40s. By now they would be considered the "senior" generation and the most appropriate to demand the change necessary.

How many of them actually feel that they are able?

In Victoria there has been a "hiding under the desks" mentality from that particular generation. There is a previous history of those who spoke out and voiced concerns being targeted and "pushed out" of the group. I suspect that many who would have led such a change have already left the friends and workers.

Emmarr75 ~ I agree with your assessment above.  I feel to properly effect change, it has to come from within the age group most effected adversely by CSA ~ namely the younger crowd with children of their own who could fall prey to such depravity among the F&W's.  I personally can't see the older crowd with one foot close to the grave being overly concerned in this area myself, especially those who have been staunch members for quite some time within the Truth fellowship.   For them to speak up might result in all kinds of retaliation from the workers and friends and leave them quite isolated or excommunicated from their "one and only way of salvation."  They would simply have too much to lose and nothing to gain from taking a stand here.  However, if my kids were at risk, I would be on the "soap box" religiously to effect change or leave the group, as I would not want any of my children or others to become victim to some perverted worker with criminal sexual tendencies left unchecked within the fellowship.   Any overseer that doesn't realize the seriousness of this crime, should be replaced as well.  If a group call themselves the "Truth," I believe it's high time they start living up to some "righteous standards" relating to rules of conduct among themselves and within the ministry, IMHO?