Another thought I had was I should think rather than protecting these children a good dose of testifying to what happened during trial ought to set them free of whatever bad things this pervert caused them to do. They will eventually find satisfaction in that they helped put the perpetrator away.
I offer that hiding the truth provides a false sense of protection. I lean more towards your second portion. Indeed, the truth shall set you free.
I didn't really think those boys needed to be in front of cameras right away. Almost seemed like added insult to injury.