Becktimms - i was saddened at you saying that families you know were aware of a neighbour abusing a child and not telling anyone. I don't mean in a judgemental way as i really understand how impotent people can feel in a situation like that. And scared of consequences. I was just saddened by their experience that you described. I haven't been in that situation myself but i guess if i was scared of the 'fall out' from telling, i would maybe contact social services anonymously, though i'm not sure how seriously they would take anonymous letters? Perhaps people can contact them to voice their concerns and ask for their identity not to be revealed.