14 August 2015

Paedophiles’ Register Will Protect Them From Themselves

Family First NZ is welcoming proposals for a child sex offenders register, and says that a publically accessible register will not only protect the public but will also protect child sex offenders from themselves. The register should also make it mandatory for schools and other sensitive places where children may be playing with limited supervision to be informed of the presence of offenders.

“Much of the ability for child sex offenders to commit their crimes is based on secrecy. To bring their criminal offending in to the open and exposed to the light of day means that families and school communities will be aware of the safety concerns and can ensure that safeguards are put in place, but also that the offender themselves will be fully aware that their actions can no longer be hidden and that their trust must be earned over a period of time,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“Child sex offenders need to understand that one of the consequences of their actions will be the right of families and communities to be aware of what they have done.”

“When their actions are hidden and suppressed, and when they are ‘sneaked’ in to communities and living opposite schools and playgrounds with unlimited access to children, we are simply exacerbating the problem and the temptations.”

“We actually need to protect child sex offenders from themselves and their weaknesses, while ensuring they continue to get the treatment and support that they need,” says Mr McCoskrie.

“Politicians also need to consider the rights of families and children, rather than the rights of offenders. The protection of children should be our paramount consideration, even if that infringes on the so-called rights of the offender. The welfare of children takes priority over child sex offenders.”
ENDS

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