[yu-carm-kror]

We know for a fact that pedophiles, kidnappers, and murders exist. I think we just always thought we could sniff them out by knowing our community. That was probably a false sense of security all along. Now we mostly live in communities too plentiful to know everyone so our fear is unchecked.

[jjeaff]

I grew up in a small community, and while a few people were usually thought of as not to be trusted, they didn't turn out to be the dangerous ones. So I agree that there is a false sense of security in small communities. At the same time, I'm sure that overall, like shark attacks, we very much overestimate the danger.

[greedo]

Read about the BTK serial killer. Dude was a "pillar" of his community. Look at all the priests the Catholic Church continually protects when they commit abuse. Besides, most abuse (like most murders) is committed by someone the victim knew.