[George Too]

I don't agree. Being a survivor of abuse, I have always heard that abused children abuse. Having said that I have had very frank discussions with my therapist because this scares me more than anything about my abuse. She stated that over 50% will indeed abuse, the rest make up their mind that they will not do to someone what has been done to them. I still believe deep down in my heart that once these people start the is no cure and they should be locked away forever.

[WaterDragon]

I disagree with your therapist that over half the children who abuse grow up to abuse. I think many fewer than that do. The defense is used so often, the offenders use that excuse so often, that of course victims worry about it. There is seldom proof that an offender was himself a victim. In any case, why would that be a defense? I believe that many abusers were never abused as children themselves. They use that excuse as a play for sympathy. Only the weak-brained would accept such an excuse.

[George Too]

Maybe I'nm not making myself clear...I don't believe that being an abused child gives one lisence to do anything. Having said that I believe that there may be some truth to the saying. That doesn't excuse abusers behavior. I am angry that the state helps sexual offenders, they pay 150 a month to get "help" while I pay anywhere betwewen 360 and 700 a month for help dealing with the problems that are directly attributable to my molestation. Additionally, the church helps their priests to get over, receive treatment and absolution...then acts like everything is ok while it does nothing to help the victims...not even check to see how I am doing, is there anything they can do to help. I don't want to portray myself as a victim...If that's the way it comes accross, forgive my meager attempts at explaining myself.