I couldn't make this up if I tried.

Doubt.

I saw this special news report on TV about a European company that is under a lot of fire.  They are a large company that focuses on childcare with multiple locations. The organization came under intense scrutiny because one of the children told his mother that one of the counselors touched him improperly.  The public outcry was small at first but more and more children began coming out, some years after attending the daycare facility.  Their stories were the same: counselors touched, or made them do inappropriate things. 

This prompted the CEO to vehemently deny all charges and accusations claiming that the accusers were either misguided or liars.  He claimed that there was no proof of the abuse and his company should not be further scrutinized.  In my opinion it seemed like he was hiding something but who could be sure?  It was pretty much all hearsay.

The show then focused on several people, who made it their life’s mission to find more evidence so that the company can be brought up on criminal charges.  You saw them use hidden cameras and any other tactic to gain information.  They spoke about the importance of uncovering the truth and making sure that no other kids are hurt.  These men and women worked tirelessly for years despite threats of violence and imprisonment.

It turned out that these “investigators” were correct.  Not only did they find out that abuse did occur but the executives of the company actually covered it up.  According to the program, the company did not fire the offending counselors; they simply transferred them to other locations.  This prompted the CEO to release another statement indirectly acknowledging wrongdoing but not punishing anyone or explaining why abusive counselors were still allowed to work with children.

What bothered me the most was the ending.  As with most stories told on television, I expected the criminals being brought to justice but that isn’t what happened.  The narrator went to explain that no criminal charges were ever filed.  The government couldn’t take action because some loophole provides the company with immunity.  Despite the overwhelming proof, the CEO remains defiant.  What’s worse are the parents who continue to support the company.  They claim that they truly believe in the mission and the CEO and feel comfortable sending their children.

Think this is absurd?

It is because I made it up.  Well, most of it.  The truth is, the numbers of child victims are in the thousands and the abuse has occurred for decades in places all over the planet.  Oh, and it’s not a childcare company with a CEO, but rather the Catholic Church and The Pope.