I don't know all the facts of the Stolen Generation other than what is portrayed in the media. One factor, which I had believed, was that the children were often of mixed parentage. I do not know if this is true. However, if so, where was the white parents' responsibility in all of this. Or, aren't white parents considered a problem in itself - that is - those who take advantage of a very vulnerable situation and then step back. No mention is made of them.

One woman, an ordinary white suburban mum (a staunch supporter of "the apology") stated "boys will be boys" ...

Banjo

(child offenders) "Maybe those communities do not view the offences as serious as anglo communities."

Child abusers are extremely serious let loose in any community. The children retain lifelong problems. If these communities no longer see this situation as it is, then the communities seemed to have lost all hope. Again, this would support the indigenous women who spoke about the "emasculation" of their menfolk - the authority and strength of men's original roles being so taken from them, so that they have no place in the community. These women were strong, articulate and very angry ...

"Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that the girl victim of that NT abduction, imprisionment and rape had to leave her community because she was harrased by community people. Now that is hard to understand."

Again, a case of the victim being punished.

Such harrassment and abuse is not particular to indigenous people. Cases where white rape victims have charged an individual (or groups of males) for rape, the family and friends of the rapists come out in force and abuse the victim. This is common ...

Quote Danielle,17 Feb. "When child offenders move into a white community, they are not exactly welcomed. Why should they be permitted to stay and re-offend on indigenous communities?"

Quote Banjo. "Are aboriginl child offenders allowed back ito the communities?" Maybe those communities do not view the offences as serious as anglo communities. I shudder to think what would happen to an offender if he/she came back into a small anglo community".

So Danielle. Are aboriginal child abusers allowed back into the communities? or as you say "permitted to stay and re-offend".

Now today you say it is common for white rape victims to be abused by family and friends of the rapists. That may occur from time to time, as in the court at the Skaf trial, but common? I have never heard of a community harassing a child rape victim to the extent that she had to leave her home town. This is what happened in the NT aboriginal community to the victim of a child abuser and I repeat, it is hard to understand.

Banjo,

I apologise if I inadvertently misled you. I was referring to adult rape victims, who are harrassed and abused by family and friends of the rapists - as seen outside courts - when cases are being heard. Such harrassment often follows the victim after cases are heard.

Certainly, no-one would, or should, abuse a child who has been raped. This would be appalling - inhumane ...

I am for removing child-abusers from indigenous communities. Elders have stated that this is not part of "men's business". Perhaps elders should be listened to, and their judgements followed up by the full weight of our law.

In earlier times, these elders, who are now relegated virtually to non-roles, would have meted out punishments themselves for infractions of tribale lore. Whilst, their system of "punishments" are not now acceptable, these should be replaced by our legal system. Obviously, there needs to be a coincidence of what constitutes crime between both indigenous and white laws.