Chocoholic, sorry I over reacted. I have been told before that because I work with sex offenders I was on their side, which if anyone knew me would know that is so far from the truth. 
From what I have read (not sure what you mean by great detail but I have read a fair bit around it) I would think they were victims of a bad childhood. It certainly does not excuse what they did, not should it, nothing can. I remember when the case happened, and seeing the images of groups of adults baying for the blood of two children - that's what they were and I don't think that should be forgotten. Yes they were child killers and they deserved to be punished but the mobs outside the courts would have ripped these two young boys to pieces. There are people who think good they deserve it, and probably they do but the idea of a group of adults screaming for the torture and murder of 2 young children makes me uncomfortable and if they had managed to do such a thing would they have been any different. And because I think that does not mean I think they should have gotten away with anything or should be forgiven, the things I have read about the case haunt me, and I cannot read them ever again after having my own children. It is my biggest fear and I cannot imagine how the parents of that poor little boy feel and hope to god I never have to. I agree there were sexual elements, makes you wonder what the two killers had been exposed too, probably a lot of violence at home but again thats not an excuse.
I agree that we have to protect our children, I am a parent myself and of course I want my children to grow up safe. But I just can't see how this will work. I personally think the best thing that can be done is the government putting more money into multi agecy approaches so more info can be shared about offenders, and there are more resources to keep track of them. Also the sentencing needs to improve. These offenders are getting ridiculously short sentences, not long enough to allow any work to be done (its not about rehabilitating them its about them managing their behaviour0. If they don't want want to mange their behaviour, don't release them.Current research suggests that programmes are more successful at reducing recidivism rates but there is simply not the time nor the resources to ensure every sex offender completes the programme. And parents need to take responisibility too. Find out who your child is spending time with, encourage an open relationship where they can talk to you about everything. Follow you instinct, if someone makes you feel uncomfy don't leave your kid with them.
Misslarue said:widowwadman said:
Anyone who has read the case in great detail, such as myself, would fail to see how they were victims
There was also aspects of a sexual nature to their crime.
From what I have read (not sure what you mean by great detail but I have read a fair bit around it) I would think they were victims of a bad childhood. It certainly does not excuse what they did, not should it, nothing can. I remember when the case happened, and seeing the images of groups of adults baying for the blood of two children - that's what they were and I don't think that should be forgotten. Yes they were child killers and they deserved to be punished but the mobs outside the courts would have ripped these two young boys to pieces. There are people who think good they deserve it, and probably they do but the idea of a group of adults screaming for the torture and murder of 2 young children makes me uncomfortable and if they had managed to do such a thing would they have been any different. And because I think that does not mean I think they should have gotten away with anything or should be forgiven, the things I have read about the case haunt me, and I cannot read them ever again after having my own children. It is my biggest fear and I cannot imagine how the parents of that poor little boy feel and hope to god I never have to. I agree there were sexual elements, makes you wonder what the two killers had been exposed too, probably a lot of violence at home but again thats not an excuse.
I agree that we have to protect our children, I am a parent myself and of course I want my children to grow up safe. But I just can't see how this will work. I personally think the best thing that can be done is the government putting more money into multi agecy approaches so more info can be shared about offenders, and there are more resources to keep track of them. Also the sentencing needs to improve. These offenders are getting ridiculously short sentences, not long enough to allow any work to be done (its not about rehabilitating them its about them managing their behaviour0. If they don't want want to mange their behaviour, don't release them.Current research suggests that programmes are more successful at reducing recidivism rates but there is simply not the time nor the resources to ensure every sex offender completes the programme. And parents need to take responisibility too. Find out who your child is spending time with, encourage an open relationship where they can talk to you about everything. Follow you instinct, if someone makes you feel uncomfy don't leave your kid with them.
) 
