Star comment: We can’t let our trust be broken

Police officers, social workers and teachers in particular bear huge responsibility for looking after or working with some of the most vulnerable in society.

And the vast majority of those who choose these professions do so because they care about protecting those in need of help.

That’s why it is so shocking when those in such positions abuse their power to exploit those in their care. People like Allan Richards – the paedophile police officer who got away with his crimes for four decades – thrive on fear. Victims of child sex exploitation often fear speaking out about being abused because of that fear.

Fear of not being believed, fear of repercussions, and sometimes fear of getting someone else in trouble.

While it is extremely concerning that nearly 90 adults in roles of responsibility have abused that trust with teenagers, we take comfort in the fact they are being caught.

Increases in numbers cause concern that there is a growing trend of predators – but it could also be because we are getting better at detecting them.

It takes very brave people to speak out about their abuse. But it is because victims – increasingly known as survivors – are willing to speak out that we are seeing greater confidence amongst people coming forward.

It is the ultimate betrayal for adults to abuse the trust put in them by the vulnerable. It is wrong, abhorrent and evil. For decades many victims have suffered in silence.

And there will still be those too scared to report the crimes committed against them.

There is not a teacher, police officer or social worker who does not know the boundaries. What is right and what is wrong is very clear.

Recent child exploitation scandals have exposed major flaws in the way abuse has been policed for a very long time.

Cases like that of Allan Richards have appalled the public and sometimes exposed what looks like a wilful neglect to take action.

There will always be those who seek to exploit the vulnerable and abuse the trust society places in them. As a country we must take appropriate safeguards. Society relies on trust. We can’t let that be broken.