Why Do We Think That Killing a Child Is Worse Than Killing a Grown Up Person?

Question by Mien: Why do we think that killing a child is worse than killing a grown up person?
Many seem to feel this way, including me. I am even more disgusted and angry and sad when a child is a victim of a violent/sexual crime, than when an adult is a victim of the same. But if you think about this, everyone should be equally precious. An adult victim is innocent as well as a child victim. Hence, why do we weigh a crime harder when the victim a minor, especially young child?

Best answer:

Answer by terje_treff
A child has no way of defending itself.

Answer by Just tryin’ to help
Probably because “we” feel that a child has less of a chance defending him/herself from an attacker than an adult would. Not that this is always the case, but I think it’s the general consensus.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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