In the first of two special episodes, we explore the widespread problem of child sexual exploitation and grooming, highlighting the shocking extent of this evil, and considering the systematic patterns revealed by several high‑profile cases involving wealthy and influential individuals. We examine how power, institutional failure, and silence have enabled a level of abuse and trafficking which brings shame on our societies. As always, we hone in to see where our prayers and intentions may be most needed. WARNING: Listeners should be aware that this episode contains descriptions that may disturbing. Intentions and prayers start at 25 minutes 58 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as an estimated 300 million children globally experience sexual exploitation every year, especially via online abuse, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that every adult who may work in organisations, live in communities, or otherwise know of circumstances where children are being systematically groomed or sexually abused will be moved to challenge deference toward those who have wealth, fame or power, and to respond to the cries of the powerless who are or may be being abused.  Please join us in holding this. Read Ellen’s blog entry for Sacred Feminist, ‘Why is there a market for sexual slavery?’ at http://sacredfeminist.com/why-is-there-a-market-for-sexual-slavery/ While not specifically relating to child grooming, the following relate to the broader topic of abuse committed by men and advocacy for women and other victims: Advocacy to prevent violence against women and girls, advice for what men can do, White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/allies. One man (a White Ribbon ambassador) speaks out: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/we-speak-up/joseph-smith  Men Behaving Badly: Leaders Who Play The Religious Card, our episode focused on men in positions of power who use religious narratives to justify their ideologies:  https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s4zbu-18e6f49 . Chapter markers: 00:00:00            Introduction 00:01:43            Reflecting on Child Exploitation 00:05:06            The Scale of Global Abuse 00:10:00            The Epstein Case Unveiled 00:10:40            Al-Fayed’s Systemic Abuse 00:12:32            R. Kelly and His Victims 00:13:51            Notable Scandals in History 00:17:06            Institutional Failures and Complicity 00:19:51            The Grooming Process 00:23:41            The Role of Society in Protection 00:25:37            Call to Action for Change 00:25:58            Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56110052 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58801183 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sexual_abuse_cases_by_country https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/malaysia-charges-businessmen-in-cult-linked-child-sex-abuse-scandal/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Ikhwan_child_abuse_scandal https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/12/24/enough-with-buck-passing-child-abuse-in-the-church-is-systemic https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0145213421001411 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg559zz3d8o https://eurochild.org/news/europes-hidden-crisis-child-sexual-abuse-online-at-unprecedented-levels/ https://www.csacentre.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/07/Child-sexual-abuse-of-African-Asian-and-Caribbean-heritage-children-A-knowledge-review.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgp1x028r9o https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/baroness-caseys-audit-of-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse https://www.childlight.org/newsroom/over-300-million-children-a-year-are-victims-of-online-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse    https://www.childlight.org/newsroom/child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-is-a-multibillion-dollar-industry-our-new-report-shows-who-benefits  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9568794/ https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/child-trafficking-by-country