English, no i am not making "excuses" nor am i trying to justify why SOME people do as they do, but i come from a place of trying to understand. So i sincerely understand when you say their are many (victims) in all walks of life and they do not go out to offend, and most in the community would not sympathize with sex offenders, nor take the time to understand their illness, (particular group, pedophiles). I know that from my own life experiences and people are angered, especially those having suffered abuse themselves having made good when they hear others talk of having compassion and an understanding because they hold the belief that ALL can endure and come out victorious, but that is NOT the case for everyone.

Do not be mistaken, just because i have compassion does not mean i am weak in my beliefs or hold them as "poor victims" on the other hand, i find it difficult to have an understanding their because of my choices and life experience, it took me a LONG time to understand and accept that; and like you i have the belief people do have CHOICES but you need to be AWARE you have those choices in order for you to CHOOSE and i am not touching on the subject of having mental health issues and finding yourself in the system.

Speaking personally......... i understand how two people can be raised in the same house, experience the SAME abuse, where one will use those experiences to help others, or even insure their children will not endure as they did growing up, and the other is lost to a world of drugs, self loathing and pain. I have lived it and continue to live it like most people having been abused in some shape or form. I am apart of a life you speak of and i guess that is why i have the compassion and understanding i do at this stage of my life.

Personally i don't think people..... *have an excuse to end up in prison*....... but they do have my understanding in many cases as to why their life took the path it did and how they ended up their, but...... NO EXCUSES!!

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The last of all freedoms is the ability to choose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances.
G. W. Allport.