I have never understood the notion that unless I witnessed/experienced something first hand I have no 'right' or 'voice'. I haven't EVER witnessed/experienced a house fire, but, I certainly know the devestation it can bring. I haven't ever been burned, but, I know that flames hurt, and do burn.

I, for one, do not need to witness the brutality of anyone- pets, children, adults, to know it exists, nor speak out against it. To say that my voice somehow doesn't count, or counts less than someone that has witnessed such henious acts is kind of upsetting, really.