i dont believe that torture is something that should be seen as acceptable, i do however believe that if some one is commited of a henious crime for which he or she has been found guilty without doubt then they should be executed, torture is not something men should be involved in people will pay for their crimes on the day of judgement.
As for child abuse, without a doubt that should be a swift execution such people are the worst of humanity! its better not to lower ourselves to the level of people without mercy, it is better to take the moral high ground.
And that is where the Shariah comes in useful.
In islam the best of people will forgive, but they also have the right to insist on punishment. This is after the person has been found guilty of course, so objectivity isnt the issue its how the victim feels justice should be done.
An eye for an eye is not stupid, it would make people seriously consider the consquences of their actions, leading to a prevention effect. without a doubt it works better than a spell in prison (hotel)
Basically criminals need to pay for the damage they do to society, the real crime is that they are undermining the fabric of society, and if steps arent taken to seriously rebuke such people then society will be {bleep}ed, pretty much as it is now actually!