As if the incident here in Trimaris wasn't bad enough, I just learned about another one in the East Kingdom that, if true, was far worse. Even if the accusations are false, it's hardly great publicity for the SCA.

Whether they're true or not, it's clear that something needs to be done to prevent this sort of thing from happening. There are a lot of SCA parents who bring their children to an event, drop them off all day with the Minister of Children, and then forget about them for hours at a time. That's just a recipe for disaster, as the allegations in this case illustrate.

Background checks are a start. I don't think it's unreasonable to require them for all positions which entail working with children to any extensive degree. Yes, there is an expense involved, but if it prevents even one child from being molested, I believe it's worth it.

Background checks aren't a complete solution, however. Requiring a minimum of two — or, preferably, three — adults to be present at all times would help too. I'm sorry, but the idea of all-night sleepovers with only one adult present is just creepy.

Words cannot express just how disgusting and repulsive I find this situation. Yes, innocence is presumed until guilt is proven — but that the Society's regard for the safety of children is so lax that such opportunities for abuse exist is unconscionable.