WITH A HEAVY HEART we the undersigned ask for State Laws to be changed in regard to arcane limitations on the prosecution of sex offenders.

RAPE IS AN EPIDEMIC that effects everyone. And it is disheartening and cruel to see so many offenders have such short prison stays. There are over 80,000 cases a year of reported sexual abuse in the United States alone. It is estimated that there are an equal or larger number of unreported cases. Child sexual abuse is a primary cause of mental health problems at varying ages from childhood to adulthood across North America. Sexual abuse results in of Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and many other psychological disorders that cost our society billions of dollars in medical and mental health care every year.

THE THOUSANDS OF RAPES THAT OCCUR EACH YEAR aren’t necessarily perpetrated by victims of sexual abuse. In fact, only a small percentage (approx. 5%) of past victims become perpetrators. Previous victims or “Survivors” generally feel empathetic towards those who are abused.  Now is the time to end this social epidemic that pervades every race and class. Why should so many children have to suffer these tortures? As conscientious, politically aware adults we demand an end to their pain. 
WE DEMAND AN END TO THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS FOR RAPE.
THERE IS NO LIMIT to the years of anguish that result from being raped. Many victims repress memories of their abuse only to have them surface again, and again, and again. Is this a reason for child rapists to go free? The rape itself may not last long but the psychological effects last a lifetime.
WE DEMAND longer and harsher punishments for rapists.
WHY do we give longer sentences for crimes with no victims? We lock people up for drunk driving, non payment of child support, theft, drugs and many other crimes for longer periods of time than we do the sick and selfish individuals who use children as sex toys. While these aforementioned crimes should not go unpunished, they should also not be treated as more substantial affronts to human life. Punishment for child rape and murder should be a MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCE with NO POSSIBILITY FOR PAROLE.

WHY should someone who uses a child for sexual pleasure have any RIGHTS? Don’t children have the RIGHT to grow up free from rape? What about the FREEDOM to be SAFE from SEXUAL ABUSE? 88% of rapes are never reported (millions each year in the U.S. alone). 
MANY CHILDREN DO NOT TALK about sexual abuse for the following reasons: shame, fear, guilt, intimidation and familial love for their offender[s]. Per most studies on the subject: 1 out of every 3 girls and 1 out of every 5 to 6 boys are victims or sexual assault before reaching the age of 18 (recent findings indicate that the sexual molestation of boys may be even more prevalent than that of girls.) This is 1.5 billion people on the planet at any given time. Currently the laws that govern the prosecution and punishment of sex offenders in this country are woefully inadequate. 

LET’S STOP THE CYCLE OF ABUSE AND END CHILD RAPE.