Yes it is rampant but there is even a bigger problem. This is a "closed society". So all problems must get reported to the elders of the congregation first (as all JWs consider government a tool of satin). Thus, the kids come forward and tell the elders of the congregation. But the elders need 2 witnesses to the crime before they do anything. Of course when was the last time that you heard a paedophile let a witness watch him molest a kid? So the elders say to the kid and his/her family, well there is only one eye witness and thus, we will close the case. The kids are also told to stay silent on the issue because it is important to keep the image of the organizaion "clean". Thus, no one knows what has happened. A lot of them have been kicked out of the organization and family home. they are shunned by their families as per the organization's requirements. But at the same time the organization has allowed the paedophile to keep his priviliges and even move up in the congregation - Dan Fitzwater in Las Vegas is a classic case. He assaulted ast least 17 kids with the knowledge of the JW leadership (aka Watchtower). A lot of advocates trying to change the policies with the organization have also been disfeelowshipped and are being shunned by their families.
The other concern is that whether the JW is a convicted paedophile or not, he/she must still go into public and knock on doors as mandated by the organization. You as a member of the public don't know if the person coming to your door is a convicted paedophile or not and that could pose a risk to your children. I'm all for free religion and allowing JWs to knock on my door but they need to take proper steps to alert the public as to what they are doing and who may be coming to your door.
I and others worked with reporter Laurie Goodstein at the New York Times and got a story out on it on August 11, 2002. As much as I hate liberal rags she did one great story for us. Dateline ran it back on May 28, 2002 and I got my Canadian documentary friends at CBC (The Fifth Estate) to do the story on January 29, 2003. Panorama at the BBC also ran with it last year too.
For more information click here - the Silentlambs web site.
The database that this organization keeps on file shows at least 23,720 documented cases within this organization. Lawsuits are just starting in this. One in the USA has just past summary judgement stage. There are about 100 lawsuits starting up this year. I think when these lawsuits get to the trial phase in court you may see more press interest in the stories.
Hope that helps.
hawk