Being sexually abused as a child is one of the most horrific experiences a human can be forced to endure. Yet this heinous act is far too common, and the penalties for perpetrators does not reflect the lifelong trauma their actions will cause.

 

The mandatory minimum sentence for sexual assault in Canada when the victim is under the age of 16, and when the charge is pursued by indictment is 1 year. The maximum is 14 years. Even when there is a conviction and the charge county is above 20 counts, there are cases where the accused has been sentenced to 6 years. And they only have to serve 1/3 of the sentence before they are eligable for parole

This is NOT justice. This is no deterrant to someone who thinks it is ok to sexually molest a child. They do not care the impact it has on the victims life. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS SEXUAL GRATIFICATION.

Enough is enough. This is a call for Canadians, and those around the globe to stand up and say this needs to stop. Mandatory minimums MUST be strengthened.

 

A quote from the law notebook reads:

Parliament has "made it very clear that the protection of children is a basic value of Canadian society which the courts must defend."[1] The courts are being called upon to focus on child exploitation offences is because of their increasing number.[2] [Source:http://criminalnotebook.ca/index.php/Sentencing_for_Child_Sexual_Offences]

 

However, the minimum sentences do not reflect that they embrace that believe unequivocally. The government knows the damage it causes

The recognized harm of sexual offences upon children is "profound" and includes:

overly compliant behaviour and an intense need to please;
self-destructive behaviour, such as suicide, self-mutilation, chemical abuse, and prostitution;
loss of patience and frequent temper tantrums;
acting out aggressive behaviour and frustration;
sexually aggressive behaviour;
an inability to make friends and non-participation in school activities;
guilty feelings and shame;
a lack of trust, particularly with significant others;
low self-esteem;
an inability to concentrate in school and a sudden drop in school performance;
an extraordinary fear of males;
running away from home;
sleep disturbances and nightmares;
regressive behaviours, such as bedwetting, clinging behaviour, thumb sucking, and baby talk;
anxiety and extreme levels of fear; and
depression.
There is an increased risk that the victim in adulthood will engage in sexual violence themselves.

 

I am calling on the Canadian federal government to raise the minimum sentence from the current 1 year to 5 years, or  offenders should be classified as dangerous offenders. Their actions do not just affect the victims, but the loved ones, friends, and the community as a whole. These heinous crimes should not be tolerated the way our current criminal justice system allows

 

 

ITS TIME TO TAKE A STAND AND SAY NO! WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS ANYMORE