By LM — A 32-year-old stepfather, who was previously convicted on charges of molesting his stepdaughter, strikes again. The sex offender was already punished for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter in 2018. Clearly, the 26 months of jail time and 3 strokes of cane were not enough to deter him. He re-offended within two years of his release on Aug 17, 2020.
This terrible news raises questions about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program for convicted sexual offenders.
Sex Offenders Have A High Tendency To Re-offend
Sex-related crimes are among the most traumatic offenses that can be committed. It is due to the potential long-lasting harm offenders cause to their victims. Sexual criminals have the highest Recidivism Rates, meaning that they are highly likely to re-offend. Studies have shown that as many as 50% of sexual offenders will re-offend within five years of their release from prison. Additionally, around 60-70% of offenders who are released from prison without any supervision will be rearrested within three years.
The severity of such crimes is evident in the devastating impact they have on the victim’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Victims of these crimes are often left with life-long trauma, depression, anxiety, and a sense of shame and guilt. The high rate of re-offending makes it clear that our current measures to prevent sexual crimes are not enough, and more decisive action needs to be taken to protect society.
The Offenders and Re-Offenders should be given Strict Punishments
Sexual crimes are heinous offenses that have a devastating impact on the victims and their families. These crimes are a violation of the basic human rights and the dignity of an individual. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that sexual criminals and pedophiles are given stricter punishments and no leverage. A few years of jail time and a rehabilitation policy are insufficient to deter criminals. Reinstating them back into society after such harmless convictions puts society at risk, especially the vulnerable age groups.
The punishment for sexual crimes should be according to the severity of the crime. The punishment should not only act as a deterrent but also as a means of justice for the victim. There should be no leniency for repeat offenders. Instead, they should be given stricter-than-usual punishment to make an example out of themselves.
