Today, I read yet another story of a sex offender who has targeted children. I’m saddened to read they have received a suspended sentence and had to sign a register that the public cannot readily access. The individual in question couldn’t explain how they had over 60 images of children being sexually abused, with many being category A. He has also created 3 indecent images. Despite this, the judge stated he showed remorse and granted him a suspended sentence. I think it’s shocking that people who ruin other people’s lives and have a lifelong effect on their victims, can be allowed to walk the streets free. 

This is just one of countless scenarios where child sex offenders are let off far to easily, whilst the child is left dealing with the trauma of their abuse forever. 

Here, the government claim to be giving tougher sentences, but the evidence just does not match 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-factsheets/police-crime-sentencing-and-courts-bill-2021-sex-offender-management-factsheet

Please sign this petition and help to be the voice of all victims of sexual abuse. Nobody deserves to have this depravity inflicted upon them, especially not innocent children.

Fávero et al., (2021) have recently published a paper "Psychological intervention with adult victims of sexual abuse: a comprehensive review." Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, which I think is well worth a read. They summarised their key findings and I’ve copied them in below.

Key Practitioner Message
There are no syndrome resulting from the experience of child sexual abuse, but survivors have a significant risk associated with the development of medical, psychological, social, behavioural and sexual psychopathology.
Most child sexual abuse victims at some point in their lives have symptoms ranging from moderate to severe.
When the aggressor is intrafamilial and/or penetration is present, the consequences are more severe and chronic.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cpp.2598?casa_token=QOAJyB6dly8AAAAA%3ATnuICIVaRiH3Hx-wxMfiCcgQIYRbFMi6qZR6Woi0Bz30HLX2P4PAlNnCkU4H_nuY5tV6E-K0nxa8 - Link to the paper. There is lots of valuable literature studying the consequences of sexual abuse of children on Google scholar.

I do not believe the government is doing enough to protect our children and I call for tougher punishments for people who systematically abuse them. Additionally, access to the sex offender register should be public, as these people go undetected within society, often until it’s too late and they abuse another child. The government should be protecting the innocents, not the perpetrators.