Good Anger Gone Bad

January 29, 2026 - 18:38

Public outrage over sexual violence is a powerful and justified force. It underscores a societal refusal to tolerate such crimes and demands accountability. However, this necessary anger is increasingly being channeled in ways that risk undermining the very goals of justice and child protection.

A troubling trend has emerged where online vigilante groups, fueled by raw fury, take investigations into their own hands. These collectives often identify and publicly shame alleged perpetrators, posting personal details and accusations across social media before any formal legal process begins. While driven by a desire to protect the vulnerable, these actions can have severe unintended consequences.

Legal experts and victim advocates warn that such tactics can jeopardize official investigations. They can taint evidence, influence witnesses, and provide grounds for defense attorneys to challenge the fairness of a future trial. Most critically, the chaotic nature of these online exposés can potentially re-traumatize victims and may even put innocent individuals at risk of harassment.

The path to true justice and safety lies within a robust, fair, and systematic legal framework. Sustainable protection requires supporting professional law enforcement and social services, not circumventing them. While the emotion behind the movement is understandable, channeling that energy into supporting survivors and demanding systemic reform is far more effective than mob justice that may ultimately let the guilty go free.