The system doesn't exist independent of the people. If those who are harmed do not punish the offenders, the offenders will see no reason to change their behaviour.
You’re putting too much agency into people that have very little or none. It’s easy to dismiss everything as “people are part of the system” but institutions are difficult to change in a democracy. You can riot in the streets, vote out a government and replace the people in charge, but the institutions in place will remain in place. The only way to fix it is to have elected representatives do their jobs, and you know how that turns out.
They do have the power to change things. Institutions can be made more accountable. The people just chose the option to continue with the status quo.