I agree, i got angry about the wee girl in portugal but i was more angry she was left to sleep alone in a building.  I realise that some places are safe but i guess it comes down to the individual. I dont think i would be so trusting as to leave me child asleep in a foreign country and go for a meal down the road. 

I take monitors with me when the children are asleep and we go outside for a meal. But i guess i am more paranoid.  The sad thing is nz is becoming like every other country, with violence increasing in all the major towns and cities.

Last year a young mother on my street was stabbed to death by her ex partner (in front of her toddlers). the sad thing is the children were left alone with her body over night before the neighbours came to investigate why the children were crying.

My heart just really goes out to the family of the little 2-year-old.  And I don't think Michael Law's idea to ban gang patches will make a shred of difference... people don't join gangs for the patch.  People I've heard from in gangs have said they join because it's another form of family (and we all need a family).  I think gangs will always be here, and the best we can do is come alongside the heads of gangs and work on educating people on making better choices. 

Oh that sounded like such PC crap!!!

But the funny thing is I really mean it!

The recent news has been pretty horrific, but I guess its important to remember that we are still a lot safer here than in some countries.

We are all a lot more shocked by 'bad news' here as its still not an everyday thing (although it is starting to be...). In London, LA, Jo-burg etc murders dont even make the news - they are just so common.

Its the main reason we came back from London, even though we loved it and always felt safe (apart from the bombings) we didnt think it was a nice place to bring up a baby!

That said - we shouldnt become blaze to the fact that this is happening in our country....

ETA: just my ten cents worth this morning!!

Not good at all. my2angels and myself live near each other.  We have had within the last couple of months a domestic killing in an upper class area (Regents Park) and then a young boy stabbed around the road as well, what is this world coming too????  It is rather scary.