One Strike for Perpetrators

[HealingEmbrace]

Regarding sexual abuse, those committing these deviant acts should be dealt with as severely as possible. Too often perpetrators are given slaps on the wrist and are then allowed to re-offend.

I say that until someone finds, or society allows, a biochemical or other effective way to control the impulses of sexual offenders, there should be a one-strike law: One strike, and the offender is in prison for life. This consequence is harsh, but why not let an offender rot away in prison—even if the offender was a victim him or herself at one time? It will prevent several to many more lives from being ruined down the road and break the cycle of perpetrators.

I know there are numerous facets to consider with locking someone away—such as the fact that the incarceration of the perpetrator could mean the loss of a parent for life. But in the greater interest of all children, it's absolutely vital to ensure that one incorrigible life is not allowed to decimate and corrupt many more innocent ones.

[residentHELL]

I'm not sure about just locking up pedophiles, although the proposal is pretty reflective of our society.

It's certainly been shown that our current treatment programs have failed miserably with pedophiles, so it's definitely an option. However, I think our solution to all crime is just to incarcerate, while I think requiring criminals to make restitution for their crimes would be a better option for emphasizing personal responsibility for the damage they have caused.

Of course, how this would work with pedophiles is beyond me. A pedophile can't "make up" for his crime by providing services to children. That would be completely insane. I think we need to look at how these people can be forced to face the damage they have caused and take responsibility. It very well may be that locking them up forever is the only option, but I think we can do better in ALL aspects of criminal justice.

One strike is definitely a must no matter what the consequence is. Nobody should be able to just get away with hurting children--not the first time, second time, or any time.

Just a little food for thought.

[HealingEmbrace]

I believe fully in rehabilitation, restitution, and responsibility for many crimes rather than incarceration. We incarcerate too many people for crimes that are arguably victimless acts, such as drug possession.

However, when it comes to pedophilia—one of the most unconscionable acts of victimization—we let too many of these convicted offenders walk free and roam the neighborhood in search of additional victims. I think we as a society must have a zero-tolerance position toward this horrendous crime.

On this specific issue, I'd rather have us assume an extreme—and practical—stance and enforce a consequence of lifetime lockup upon first offense instead of allowing an offender any chance in hell of harming another child again. It's not about punishing the offender as much as it's about protecting our children.

Incarceration is definitely an overused and disproportionate punishment for many crimes. But unfortunately, this consequence is tragically underused with pedophiles.