If I understand correctly many people are only reading this forum who may be having a difficult time grasping the sexual abuse allegations. In the world out side the walk this is very common. some people deny or are plain reluctant to get involved. That is normal but does not help past, present or future victims. Some people simply weren't in a position to have suspected anything therefore it would be impossible to know if the allegations are true or false legally.
We as members can not make anyone believe anything nor do we want to make any one believe something that is not true. We want the truth to come out.
Only because I have been trained in my profession do I know sing and symptoms of abuse victims. Because I was highly trained, as I did my job I was able to identify , and properly report what I saw to the proper authorities. I is not comfortable being in the position of a mandatory reporter and having to make a report . But, it is well worth the stress to know that you have gotten a child away from what ever they were victims of.
BTW I understand that volunteers were used in many situations involving the children. For those who volunteered, you DID have a legal responsibility to say something to Child protective services. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. So don;t b surprised if you get called in on a court case when you were just volunteer with the kids.
I'm not intended to start a witch hunt here. Just educate. Statistically some one had a gut feeling when they saw some children or teens but could not put their figure on it. Don;t jump to conclusions and rush to tar and feather anyone.
Here are some links that will help everyone to begin to recognize tale tell signs of abuse victims. I hate to say this but those who are looking for their next victims to prey on are very aware of body langue of the vulnerable.( It is NEVER the victims fault. As survivor myself ( not form this cult) I had to learn how to not show I was easy prey victim. There is nothing spiritual about taking power and control over a victim.
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www.stopitnow.org]
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www.babycenter.com]
(The article in the above link made points about behaviors an abused child may exhibit. This reminded me of all the kids who had the willful spirit beat out of them. Could it have been possible that some willful children were trying to tell us grown ups something or not?)
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www.parentsprotect.co.uk]
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www.earlyopenoften.org]
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www.nhs.uk]