Ethics, evil, and child abuse

In the absence of a theological account postulating the existence of devils and demons possessing the minds of the godless, the notion of evil and its relationship to ethics might seem incomprehensible. secular theories of evil actions are not only possible, they are essential to quantitatively distinguishing wrongful actions from evil actions and for appropriate, effective and satisfying remedies to be found. The action or project will gratuitously inflict, or bring about, one or more of The Great Harms' to sentient beings of relevant moral standing (eg cause great physical suffering, illness, starvation, death, destruction of home or habitat, and the misery of continual and unrelenting terror or harassment)