Re: Rolf Harris

I don't doubt it might exist. But who are we to say that it definitely did other than on a philosophical point that all experiences affect everything. Who knows, it might, in the grand plan of things, have been a "good" thing. After all, as my wife likes to say..."things happen for a reason".

She survived, and it seems reasonable to suggest that if she's content now, then her awful experiences contributed towards that.

Although this sounds abhorrent to the onlooker, we can't say for certain.

Re: Rolf Harris

I am not, by any means, defending what he did - but - think about it ... at 12yrs old one certainly knows the difference between right and wrong. She did not live in the house with him - she was a visiting friend of his daughter - if she did not want to tell her parents, or anybody else. about it, she could easily have made excuses not to visit the house any more.

Why did she continue to go back for more until she wa 32 ?

Why did she only accuse him after he refused to be blackmailed?

Re: Rolf Harris

And who are you to even suggest it didn't. And to suggest that it may have been a "good thing" is quite disgraceful.
Yes she survived and how on earth do you know she is content.

People survive the most horrendous things "look at recent events" it far from means they get through unscathed and will be content.

And I doubt your wife had the sexual abuse of a twelve year old on her mind when she stated "things happen for a reason"

Re: Rolf Harris

She was a twelve year old child under the influence of a grown man. It is sexual abuse at it's best and the grooming and
sexual abuse of a twelve year old child at worst. The entire fault lies firmly with him. The child is an innocent, blameless victim. No wonder victims of sexual abuse are afraid to speak out when attitudes blame the victim and not the perpetrators.

Re: Rolf Harris

If she was so frightened of him why did she keep going to his house ?

Re: Rolf Harris

If you look at the physical development of children, it is proven that their brain development is way behind that of an adult,
they do not have the physical or emotional resources, or life experience to understand when they are being groomed and exploited until they are trapped.
They keep on going back due to many reasons, one often being fear, and another is that the abuser manages to convince them that this is 'Love' and a normal and natural experience.
Think back to yourself at 12? How many adults did you feel safe enough around to question their motives? were we not raised to respect our adults? and how many adults would believe a child over a 'respectable' adult?

Re: Rolf Harris

Grooming? He was, as you have emphasised 'a very nice man'

Re: Rolf Harris

Groomers often are 'very nice men' that is how they groom!
And, as an adult, he knows enough to know that it is wrong and should have never started it!

How many people seem content on the outside, but are in inner turmoil, but have learned to just survive externally?
Do you expect them to continue to be a victim which is what they are

If a child of 12 knows the difference between right and wrong as suggested, an adult should know even more!

Re: Rolf Harris

Very well put. I agree with every word.

Re: Rolf Harris

And the groomers even manage to convince adults, who should know better, that they are very nice men, to the point were they are prepared to blame an innocent child of wrong doing.