April 29, 2005

Some victims of child molesters

Some victims of child molesters are "luckier" than Sarah Lunde and Jessica Lunsford . These children may live but they spend the rest of their lives dealing with the repercussions of what they've been subjected to. Meanwhile the molesters and rapists who commit these crimes do their time, if convicted, and then head back into society. Theses animals live in our neighborhoods and wait for their next innocent victims.


Some statistics for you to think about:

  • The typical offender is male, begins molesting by age 15, engages in a variety of deviant behavior, and molests an average of 117 youngsters, most of whom do not report the offense. -Dr. Gene Abel in a National Institute of Mental Health Study

  • About 10% of violent offenders with child victims received life or death sentences and the average prison term was 11 years, somewhat shorter average sentences than received by those with adult victims. -BJS Survey of State Prison Inmates, 1991

  • Recidivism rates range from 18-45%. The more violent the crime the more likelihood of repeating. -Studies by the state of Washington

  • Like rape, child molestation is one of the most underreported crimes: only 1-10% are ever disclosed. -FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin

Here's a story that caught my attention today: Freed child molester returns to Santa Rosa

A high-risk child molester on parole has been moved back to a Motel 6 in Santa Rosa from Redwood City, where his presence prompted outcry from residents and police.

"We are really pleased that he's back in the county where he committed his crime, which is where he should be released to,'' said Redwood City police Capt. Ron Matuzak.

Thomas Earl Putney, 36, was released from the state's program for deviant sexual offenders at Atascadero State Mental Hospital in February, 15 years after he attacked three children. His presence in Santa Rosa drew death threats, prompting parole officers to move him last month to the Garden Motel in Redwood City. On Tuesday, Santa Rosa police warned residents that Putney was again in their midst.

If it were Capt. Matuzak's child who had been molested 15 years ago, do you think he would be "really pleased" with Putney's return?

[Cross posted at Common Sense Runs Wild]

Posted by Jody at April 29, 2005 05:33 PM | TrackBack
Comments

In my case, my molester not only was not caught, he later became a cop!

His name was John Benson, and he was the neighborhood bully. One day in our community swimming pool he started shoving his hands into my pants and grabbing me by the balls. Repeatedly.

I tried to tell my mother, but she was in a rage because I had spent so much time at the pool (I was trying to stand up to the s.o.b.). I never got a word out. Next day I was shipped off to camp. That's why my mother was so upset--I was supposed to be packing for camp. So I never told anyone. I didn't realize how far beyond the pale this act was.

Later Benson became a policeman! I am told he was working for the Redwood City, CA police dept. More about him I don't know. I do know that there has been no one to tell, and, because I don't know of any witnesses, no recourse. God help the people of Redwood City.

Posted by: Michael Schimmel at October 12, 2005 09:19 PM
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