Yep. The biggest issue is the kneejerk emotive factor.

Generally speaking, if someone tries to be a voice of reason and say 'hold on, this is getting out of hand', they get accused of actively condoning the crime. So no-one publically speaks out against the way the things are handled.

In some countries, convicted paedophiles can avoid a prison term by volunteering for experimental brain surgery. This often leaves them as unable to function, and in some cases people who were not violent personalities become so.