The children taken from the sect The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which runs the west Texas ranch, are to be returned to the mothers. It is a very grey area when children are involved. So there was errors in numbers, how many does it warrant to then be a problem? This is what is said:
Texas officials claimed at one point that there were 31 teenage girls at the ranch who were pregnant or had been pregnant, but later conceded that about half of those mothers, if not more, were adults. One was 27.
So, this would mean that approx 15/16 underage kids was then at risk? That is 15/16 too many.The Third Court of Appeals last week that the state failed to show that any more than five of the teenage girls were being sexually abused, and had offered no evidence of sexual or physical abuse against the other children.
Only five?? If five were being abused sexually, that is still five TOO many. How is it then justified that the kids are to be returned, with restrictions. Perpetrators of sexual abuse are well known to brain wash and put ideas and use scare tactics against those they abuse. This gives them a chance to give it their best shot and these kids will never speak up against what is happening. They are ALL at risk, if it is occurring with some. High chance it will with others.
In an ongoing criminal investigation separate from the custody dispute, Texas authorities collected DNA swabs Thursday from sect leader Warren Jeffs. A search warrant for the DNA alleges that Jeffs had "spiritual" marriages with four girls, ages 12 to 15.
Jeffs, who is revered as a prophet, is serving a prison sentence for a Utah conviction of being accomplice to rape in the marriage of a 14-year-old girl to a 19-year-old sect member. He awaits trial in Arizona on similar charges.
Adults can ' usually' protect themselves. Who is going to protect these kids from this kind of monster and his teachings. Be damned if you do and be damned if you don't.
10 comments:
You are right nunyaa, one is too many. I don't understand either.
The number of children proven to have been abused is lower than first thought but still it is one too many and to return all the children places them at risk.
I've been following this one with interest. There are many legal, secular, spiritual and social issues entwined here. This one case is an excellent example of state verses community control. As much as I believe in community, community is not always in the best position to protect.
Although I tend not to be reactive, in sexual assault cases we just cannot take the chance. The secrecy, the grooming, the b/s is so thick that we may never know the truth.
Courts base themselves on a burden of proof - no wonder so few sexual assaults are successfully prosecuted. It is very hard to prove. I think all sexual assaults should be based on a balance of probabilities.
In this case though - who is the perpetrator responsible?????? Is it a belief system, a guru, the community, individual abusers within the community?????
I share your sentiments though - one abused child is one too many that the perpetrator got to. Child protection is being made a fool of in this case. What will it take to convince the world to protect our kids from sexual assault?
In this case though - who is the perpetrator responsible?????? Is it a belief system, a guru, the community, individual abusers within the community?????
Megan, I think it is all of the above.
I believe that “Family” is the main institute that can protect children by providing good Education!!
Be a friend to your kid, she will never go far a way!!
The family unit as such just doesn't exist like it did years ago. Some parents are blind to the education of their kids.
Hello Nunyaa! When the authorities first took the children, it bothered me because I thought it was a violation of civil liberties - in many ways it was. Chances are, many of the children were not defiled and many of the parents are not guilty of anything; however, after seeing the pictures of Jeffs passionately kissing a 12 year old girl, I was so disturbed, it changed my mind. The well being of these children is what is truly important. I am glad to see the judge refused to sign the order to return the children. It's definitely a sensitive subject, but one that deserves the utmost attention. Great post!
I think the judge did sign the papers for their return just added conditions.
You're right. Sexual assault is difficult for people here in the US to grasp. Proof is based mostly on circumstantial evidence or hearsay IF the victim ever comes forward. More likely, the victim does not and avoids "she asked for it", paparazzi, and the absurdities of the legals system (which is in many cases is law not justice...). And, children really do not have a voice, here. The foster care system is overloaded and there are many homeless children in major cities all over the US. Even foster "parents" have been known to take advantage of already abused children and abuse them all over again.
Then there's Texas...which is almost a country unto itself. Unless you are in a metropolitan area, it's like living in another country. I don't mean in a 'Deliverance' kind of way, I mean Waco, publishing their own text books (no other state shares them), crap about the Alamo (which we stole from Mexico but should somehow sympathize with the stealers?!!)...and quite frankly Austin is it's only redeeming quality.
Abuse can be blatant like bruises on your face or subtle like words that cut your soul.
Thanks for this post!
I am at a loss for words Staci Rose after reading your comment. Your last sentence,
"Abuse can be blatant like bruises on your face or subtle like words that cut your soul."
so very true.
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