Most of the cases reported on are from the 80s or 90s, and the 'crime' alleged is failing 'to go beyond the law' with regard to reporting. If it is so imperative to go 'beyond the law' then surely that should BECOME the law. Why does it not? Three times before the Australian Royal Commission, the Witness representative pleaded for mandatory, across the board, reporting laws. "It would make our job so much easier," he said. Then it wouldn't matter if any family declined to potentially go public for whatever reason. Any allegation would be reported and it would be a win-win for all.
Articles as the one starting this thread generally do not mention the Witnesses downloadable child abuse policy. This these are easily available and are obviously relevant, putting many allegations to rest, Witnesses can be forgiven if they sometime question the overall intent of such articles.
https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/legal-resources/information/packet-jw-scripturally-based-position-child-protection/
Most here assume we are speaking of child rape. In fact, it is usually child abuse allegations of some lesser degree. Richard Dawkins has written that such things have been over-hyped. Regardless of whether I agree with him or not, it was the common perception of that time period. Many percieve as dishonest, possibly even he himself, the rush to judge yesterday's lapses by today's standards.
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