l adult status at thirteen, before that age they were subject to sexual abuse. Male rape under the age of nine was not punishable. And before the 13th century any sexual activity with a very young person was not considered rape. Both moral and social issues have to be evaluated when regarding such unethical behaviour. Disturbingly according to the Canterbury Area Health Board, close to 90% of the victims of child abuse know the abuser. Reported cases show that a girl born today has a one in four chance of being sexually abused before the age of eighteen; the risk of boys is one in eight. Children who go through this traumatic experience remember it forever. Looking at the pictures and poems done by victims brings tears to the eyes to realise the tragic memories they hold. It is so disturbing that such vulnerable persons are put through such a horrendous situation. This and other elements of a child's life are what increase the numbers of young offenders who continue the cycle of abuse.Children are the only group in New Zealand society who can be locked up without a court order....Who are removed from their homes for the crimes of others...Who can be beaten without it being an assault.(Advertisement in the Listener)Questioning the readiness with which New Zealand society permits children, despite our affluence to... suffer neglect and ill-health. The children of New Zealand do not deserve the suffering nor the ignorance of the nation....
