Support Stronger Sentencing For Historical Child Sex Offenders
Support Stronger Sentencing For Historical Child Sex Offenders
The issue
Your voice matters. Help amplify my voice to drive meaningful reform of Victoria’s sentencing practices, to protect our community's most vulnerable and hold perpetrators of child sexual abuse accountable.
Please sign and share my petition.
The Why | About Me
In 1985 as a 10 year old, I was sexually abused by a man in my neighbourhood. A primary school teacher and a swim coach.
In August 2019 I reported the crime to police. Four years later, in October 2023, the perpetrator walked free from court with a suspended sentence only available to matters before 2013.
Having pleaded guilty to multiple charges of child sexual abuse a convicted child sex offender was free to leave without spending a minute in custody, without as much as a fine.
He returned to Scotland before Christmas where he runs a B&B with his wife and continues to have unfettered access to children.
My experience of an outdated and bureaucratic Victorian justice system has been the catalyst for me to seek reform to help others.
Two key changes I am determined to achieve:
For the Victorian Government
- Amend a little-known loophole in the Sex Offenders Registration Act that requires offenders to be in Victoria for 14 days prior to sentencing, that allows offenders to avoid lawful reporting obligations, and leave the country without restriction.
- Support a Private Member’s Bill or draft its own Bill to strengthen sentencing practices and abolish suspended sentencing in Victoria with respect to historical child sex offences.
These changes are consistent with recommendations of the Royal Commission in 2018 that the Labor Government endorsed and bring Victoria into line with other states such as NSW.
More than 1 in 4 Australians report experiencing sexual abuse before the age of 18.
I want to give others who are struggling with the decision to report, hope that justice is attainable regardless of when the offence was committed. Your voice matters.
As an adult male survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I represent another less seen demographic. I am hopeful that by speaking up and contributing to the conversation, I can help dispel misinformation, stigma and judgement.
17,523
The issue
Your voice matters. Help amplify my voice to drive meaningful reform of Victoria’s sentencing practices, to protect our community's most vulnerable and hold perpetrators of child sexual abuse accountable.
Please sign and share my petition.
The Why | About Me
In 1985 as a 10 year old, I was sexually abused by a man in my neighbourhood. A primary school teacher and a swim coach.
In August 2019 I reported the crime to police. Four years later, in October 2023, the perpetrator walked free from court with a suspended sentence only available to matters before 2013.
Having pleaded guilty to multiple charges of child sexual abuse a convicted child sex offender was free to leave without spending a minute in custody, without as much as a fine.
He returned to Scotland before Christmas where he runs a B&B with his wife and continues to have unfettered access to children.
My experience of an outdated and bureaucratic Victorian justice system has been the catalyst for me to seek reform to help others.
Two key changes I am determined to achieve:
For the Victorian Government
- Amend a little-known loophole in the Sex Offenders Registration Act that requires offenders to be in Victoria for 14 days prior to sentencing, that allows offenders to avoid lawful reporting obligations, and leave the country without restriction.
- Support a Private Member’s Bill or draft its own Bill to strengthen sentencing practices and abolish suspended sentencing in Victoria with respect to historical child sex offences.
These changes are consistent with recommendations of the Royal Commission in 2018 that the Labor Government endorsed and bring Victoria into line with other states such as NSW.
More than 1 in 4 Australians report experiencing sexual abuse before the age of 18.
I want to give others who are struggling with the decision to report, hope that justice is attainable regardless of when the offence was committed. Your voice matters.
As an adult male survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I represent another less seen demographic. I am hopeful that by speaking up and contributing to the conversation, I can help dispel misinformation, stigma and judgement.
17,523
Petition Updates
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Petition created on 18 December 2023