Knox
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Agreed and great post kaen. Not all Amish families do not protect their children.I think it is important to note that sex abuse and rape happens in all cultural/ethnic groups. Many bad actions have come inside religious and cultural groups. Just because a group doesn't adhere to current cultural norms doesn't mean they don't do bad things. Young people in all groups need allies and protections rather than "group justice" from their cultural group.
What is so maddening about this plea deal is that the prosecution really left it up to the elders to punish these men. You won't stem sex abuse and rape within a religious/cultural group by letting them police themselves. We see that group justice didn't stop these men from contacting their sister/survivor who is also burdened with alienating her family if she doesn't allow contact. I hope she is able to be removed from this family. If she wishes to stay Amish, then I hope she can be placed with a family who will protect her.
But I have to admit this is a horrifying story, and I question why the parents didn't recognize what was going on.