In a rather stunning verdict, the Italian Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a 60 year social service worker, Pietrio Lamberti, for having a sexual relationship with an 11 year old girl. The reasons are reported to be that the lower courts failed to consider the amorous relationship and the consensus between the two. In some fashion, this is seen as justifying the relationship.
This seems astounding for several reasons. The first seems to be that many victims of sexual abuse can feel good in some way about the relationship. It can make them feel special and they may receive treats that others do not. In this case, the girl came from a poor family.
Even more important, is an 11 year old really capable of consenting to sex with a 60 year old? There is little reason to believe that such consent could be valid. The age difference creates a power differential. A child of this age (and she is clearly a child at that age) cannot really appreciate what she is consenting to.
In rather classic fashion, the social worker is reported to have gained the trust of the family. This is grooming behavior.
In this case, the court appears to have failed to understand the true nature of child sexual abuse. They have been hoodwinked by the kind of rationale that pedophiles create. How unfortunate.
This seems astounding for several reasons. The first seems to be that many victims of sexual abuse can feel good in some way about the relationship. It can make them feel special and they may receive treats that others do not. In this case, the girl came from a poor family.
Even more important, is an 11 year old really capable of consenting to sex with a 60 year old? There is little reason to believe that such consent could be valid. The age difference creates a power differential. A child of this age (and she is clearly a child at that age) cannot really appreciate what she is consenting to.
In rather classic fashion, the social worker is reported to have gained the trust of the family. This is grooming behavior.
In this case, the court appears to have failed to understand the true nature of child sexual abuse. They have been hoodwinked by the kind of rationale that pedophiles create. How unfortunate.
