First, we need to know what the problems are; and in order to do that, we need the right to speak freely.
Silence in the face of abuse is not merely complicity; it enables injustice. I’ve been reflecting on a horrific example of this recently.
Over the past decade, the UK has struggled with the issue of grooming gangs systematically exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls.
These gangs have become the subject of national outrage, exposing not only the depths of human cruelty but also the catastrophic consequences of societal and institutional silence.
The scale of this abuse is now considered possibly the largest breach of human rights in the UK since World War II.
This is relevant to New Zealand, too.
Free speech may seem abstract, but the failure to speak out in abuse cases has real-world consequences. This raises the question: what other instances of abuse are we unaware of because we allow silence to prevail?
The silence surrounding abuse in the UK has often stemmed from fear, complacency, and political correctness. Reports have shown that local authorities, law enforcement, and the media hesitated to act or report these crimes.
Why?
Because in many cases those who could have spoken out were reluctant for fear of being labeled prejudiced due to the ethnic backgrounds of offenders.
But such fears must never outweigh the duty to protect victims and seek justice for them. Political correctness becomes dangerous when it extends to suppressing necessary conversations about abuse.
This silence not only emboldens perpetrators but also erodes trust in institutions. When victims report abuse but are met with indifference, they lose faith in the systems meant to protect them.
The Rotherham scandal, where over 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013, is a stark example. Despite warnings from whistleblowers and survivors, authorities failed to act. This inaction allowed the abuse to continue and signaled to perpetrators that their crimes would go unpunished. How many more “Rotherhams” are we missing because we refuse to listen?
This pattern of silence is not limited to grooming gangs.
The Catholic Church’s long history of sexual abuse scandals provides another sobering example (I say this as a Christian, myself). For decades, clergy abuse was covered up by church authorities, allowing perpetrators to continue their crimes. Similarly, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Church Care in New Zealand uncovered widespread abuse against children and vulnerable adults.
In both cases, institutional silence allowed such horrors to persist, highlighting the danger of prioritising institutional reputation over victims’ justice. What other institutions are hiding abuses behind self-censorship and silence?
Breaking this silence requires an unwavering commitment to free speech. Open discourse is key to accountability and reform.
When individuals and communities can discuss uncomfortable topics without fear, they expose hidden issues. That must be the first step in then being able to find a solution.
In the context of grooming gangs and institutional abuse, it means creating safe spaces for victims to share their stories and for communities to address contributing cultural and social dynamics.
Without openness, the vulnerable remain unheard, and their suffering continues unchecked.
Critics argue that discussing abuse risks stigmatising entire communities or institutions. While these concerns are valid, ignoring the issue isn’t the answer. We’ve got to foster nuanced conversations that distinguish between abusive individuals and the communities they belong to. This ensures justice for victims while protecting innocent people from unfair prejudice.
The media plays a vital role in this effort. Responsible reporting can amplify survivors’ voices, highlight systemic failures, and demand accountability. It can challenge harmful narratives that exploit crimes for political gain. Through factual, impartial journalism, the media can contribute to an informed public discourse focused on solutions rather than division, ensuring that no uncomfortable issue is ignored.
But how much of this is really occurring today (no matter how many of our tax dollars are thrown at publicly funded media)?
Addressing the root causes of abuse requires acknowledging the vulnerabilities that perpetrators exploit. Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate social support leave individuals susceptible to exploitation. Tackling these underlying issues is as important as prosecuting offenders.
Open discourse allows society to explore these factors and advocate for comprehensive solutions that reduce future risks. How can we address vulnerabilities if we refuse to acknowledge them?
Silence in the face of abuse is a betrayal of justice and humanity.
The grooming gang scandals in the UK, widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, and the findings of New Zealand’s Royal Commission show the devastating consequences of ignoring or downplaying abuse.
To prevent similar tragedies, society must embrace free speech and open dialogue as tools for exposing wrongdoing, supporting victims, and holding institutions accountable.
Simply put, injustice thrives in darkness. Silence is its greatest tool.
By shining a light through open dialogue, we not only combat exploitation but also build a society that values courage, accountability, and the protection of its members.
So, I guess my question is, are we ‘kind’ enough to ask: what truths and stories remain hidden today? And how many lives depend on our ability and willingness to speak openly and freely?
I trust, together, through our work to make New Zealand a nation we’re open discourse thrives and tolerance is really given a chance, we’ll be ‘kind’ (and brave) enough to ask the hard questions, have the tough conversations, and move forward together as a nation where everyone’s story and voice is respected.
Jonathan Ayling is the Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. In between running his Wairarapa vineyard and being Zen with his bees, he enjoys standing up for the freedoms that make New Zealand the stunning country it is. This article was sourced HERE
Over the past decade, the UK has struggled with the issue of grooming gangs systematically exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls.
These gangs have become the subject of national outrage, exposing not only the depths of human cruelty but also the catastrophic consequences of societal and institutional silence.
The scale of this abuse is now considered possibly the largest breach of human rights in the UK since World War II.
This is relevant to New Zealand, too.
Free speech may seem abstract, but the failure to speak out in abuse cases has real-world consequences. This raises the question: what other instances of abuse are we unaware of because we allow silence to prevail?
The silence surrounding abuse in the UK has often stemmed from fear, complacency, and political correctness. Reports have shown that local authorities, law enforcement, and the media hesitated to act or report these crimes.
Why?
Because in many cases those who could have spoken out were reluctant for fear of being labeled prejudiced due to the ethnic backgrounds of offenders.
But such fears must never outweigh the duty to protect victims and seek justice for them. Political correctness becomes dangerous when it extends to suppressing necessary conversations about abuse.
This silence not only emboldens perpetrators but also erodes trust in institutions. When victims report abuse but are met with indifference, they lose faith in the systems meant to protect them.
The Rotherham scandal, where over 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013, is a stark example. Despite warnings from whistleblowers and survivors, authorities failed to act. This inaction allowed the abuse to continue and signaled to perpetrators that their crimes would go unpunished. How many more “Rotherhams” are we missing because we refuse to listen?
This pattern of silence is not limited to grooming gangs.
The Catholic Church’s long history of sexual abuse scandals provides another sobering example (I say this as a Christian, myself). For decades, clergy abuse was covered up by church authorities, allowing perpetrators to continue their crimes. Similarly, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Church Care in New Zealand uncovered widespread abuse against children and vulnerable adults.
In both cases, institutional silence allowed such horrors to persist, highlighting the danger of prioritising institutional reputation over victims’ justice. What other institutions are hiding abuses behind self-censorship and silence?
Breaking this silence requires an unwavering commitment to free speech. Open discourse is key to accountability and reform.
When individuals and communities can discuss uncomfortable topics without fear, they expose hidden issues. That must be the first step in then being able to find a solution.
In the context of grooming gangs and institutional abuse, it means creating safe spaces for victims to share their stories and for communities to address contributing cultural and social dynamics.
Without openness, the vulnerable remain unheard, and their suffering continues unchecked.
Critics argue that discussing abuse risks stigmatising entire communities or institutions. While these concerns are valid, ignoring the issue isn’t the answer. We’ve got to foster nuanced conversations that distinguish between abusive individuals and the communities they belong to. This ensures justice for victims while protecting innocent people from unfair prejudice.
The media plays a vital role in this effort. Responsible reporting can amplify survivors’ voices, highlight systemic failures, and demand accountability. It can challenge harmful narratives that exploit crimes for political gain. Through factual, impartial journalism, the media can contribute to an informed public discourse focused on solutions rather than division, ensuring that no uncomfortable issue is ignored.
But how much of this is really occurring today (no matter how many of our tax dollars are thrown at publicly funded media)?
Addressing the root causes of abuse requires acknowledging the vulnerabilities that perpetrators exploit. Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate social support leave individuals susceptible to exploitation. Tackling these underlying issues is as important as prosecuting offenders.
Open discourse allows society to explore these factors and advocate for comprehensive solutions that reduce future risks. How can we address vulnerabilities if we refuse to acknowledge them?
Silence in the face of abuse is a betrayal of justice and humanity.
The grooming gang scandals in the UK, widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, and the findings of New Zealand’s Royal Commission show the devastating consequences of ignoring or downplaying abuse.
To prevent similar tragedies, society must embrace free speech and open dialogue as tools for exposing wrongdoing, supporting victims, and holding institutions accountable.
Simply put, injustice thrives in darkness. Silence is its greatest tool.
By shining a light through open dialogue, we not only combat exploitation but also build a society that values courage, accountability, and the protection of its members.
So, I guess my question is, are we ‘kind’ enough to ask: what truths and stories remain hidden today? And how many lives depend on our ability and willingness to speak openly and freely?
I trust, together, through our work to make New Zealand a nation we’re open discourse thrives and tolerance is really given a chance, we’ll be ‘kind’ (and brave) enough to ask the hard questions, have the tough conversations, and move forward together as a nation where everyone’s story and voice is respected.
Jonathan Ayling is the Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. In between running his Wairarapa vineyard and being Zen with his bees, he enjoys standing up for the freedoms that make New Zealand the stunning country it is. This article was sourced HERE
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