There are two standards of evidence in court cases concerning child abuse. In the criminal court, the standard is beyond reasonable doubt. In the civil court, the standard is on the balance of probability. I had 14 years statutory child protection experience and have been party to many cases going to civil court and have seen first hand how supposedly trustworthy adults try and rationalise or deny their actions have caused physical, emotional, psychological or sexual harm. Usually this has been they have been more focused on their own selfish needs, urges and/or fantasies than in providing a safe, healthy and caring environment for children. There is no, repeat no, excuse for not doing so! That applies to adults who have no familial connection with the child victim/s.

Reading the information available from various sources it is quite clear to me that on the balance of probabilities, children have been harmed as a result of contact with RH and that the verdict is entirely reasonable. That said I don't know under which jurisdiction the trial was held. If it was the criminal court and RH was convicted then the burden of proof needed to be even higher for the jury to decide on their verdict. I'm hoping that cases like this will encourage past, present and future victims of abuse to find the inner strength to find someone or some service to go to and get help to make a report as soon as humanly possible.

I also hope that adults who have suspicions or become aware of the possibility of harm to children don't just sit on their fat arses but get up and do something about it on behalf of the child or children at risk. In the end its up to the courts to decide on the facts in relation to each and every allegation. Its up to the community then to make sure children are supported through and after these processes to help them get past being victims for the rest of their lives and to get on with the business of growing up and taking a constructive role in their community or the world at large.

It takes a community to protect a child!

Cheers,

Andrez