I think the hysteria would be far far less if the media didn't sensationalize and completely over-blow the rare instances of abuse that do happen.

The media has such a ridiculously lopsided view of risk, but the general public buy it. They hop in their car to drive to the shop, leave their kids with that weird uncle without a second thought.

But because of media induced hysteria, worry about getting on a plane or leaving their kids with a male nursery assistant.

I'd place the blame firmly with the media, rather than with human nature.