I wrote previously on what I think of sexual predators and what should be done with them. With the latest news about Jaycee Dugard, I'm just perplexed about how this monster, Phillip Garrido, could fly under the radar for the past 18 years and get away with such atrocities. Let's not forget the culpability of his wife, Nancy, as well. This whole story just punctuates what I've believed all along. Sexual predators cannot be rehabilitated and should never, ever see freedom once they are convicted of their first sexual crime. The system failed Jaycee Dugard and perhaps other victims we don't know about. Authorities are investigating two other young missing girls and the murders of several prostitutes in the vicinity of Garrido's home and work. If it turns out he is connected to any of these other cases, then Garrido really had it good.
Phillip Garrido was convicted for a 1976 kidnapping and rape of a 25 year old woman and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He was released after only 11 years of incarceration. He was considered a high-risk offender so was on lifetime parole and had to wear an ankle monitor. I realize the justice and mental health system has learned a lot since Garrido's conviction, but even then it should have been obvious that this man should stay behind bars for the full 50 years.
This is my question: Why do we even BOTHER with the monitoring and multiple visits with a parole officer as Garrido was required to do every month? Why? Why? Why? If someone is that dangerous to require that much attention and monitoring then DON'T LET HIM OUT!! Things may have changed since then, laws have gotten stiffer, but we are still facing very similar situations with our justice system today. Sexual offenders, most specifically, sexual predators, are getting light sentences or are being released early. It's time we stand up and say we're not going to allow this anymore.
A sexual predator cannot be "cured." The urges will always be there. To say a sexual predator is cured is as ludicrous as saying a man is cured of being a man. I am so tired of hearing about the rights of the offenders versus the rights of the victims. I will go so far as to say that certain sexual crimes, especially those against children, should be eligible for the death penalty. To put a child through the trauma of rape and other deviant sexual abuse, especially over months or years, is the most heinous crime anyone can do to another human being. I would not have a problem with seeing these monsters put on death row. It'll never happen, of course, because our country only allows the death penalty for first degree murder with extenuating circumstances.
Since it is not likely we'll ever have the death penalty for sexual predators, then we can do the next best thing. We need to lock them up and throw away the key. People who act upon their deviant thoughts and fantasies by sexually abusing a child have just relinquished their rights to live outside prison walls for the rest of their lives. I don't care if they had a terrible, abusive childhood, they're mentally ill, or have a personality disorder. In many cases, this may be a factor, but it does not change the fact that they are a danger for the rest of their lives. I'm not going to rely on some "great" medications or therapy to keep these predators compliant. We all know how well people stay on their medication and how well they can fool therapists. We also know how well these people can disappear if they want to.
We need to send a very strong message that has no gray area. The very first time you molest a child, you're gone. The first time you kidnap and rape an adult, you're gone. Remember, the kidnapping and rape conviction Phillip Garrido had been convicted of was against a 25 year old woman. That's it, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars. I believe if you kidnap a child or adult for the purpose of sexually assaulting them, or if you sexually assault a child over a period of time, those factors should allow the death penalty to be put on the table. Sexual abuse of a child cannot and should not be forgiven. Yes, sexual predators who prey on woman, even men, are monsters, too, and should be put away for good, as well. However, child sexual predators are the worst of the worst of society. They do not ever deserve a second chance. Ever. Period.
Phillip Garrido should not only lose his freedom forever, as I'm sure he will, he should lose his life. His wife, Nancy, will probably claim something similar to Stockholm syndrome, which I'm certain Jaycee Dugard suffers from, but I hope the justice system doesn't let her go down that road. She willingly participated in the atrocities against Jaycee, from the kidnapping to the sexual abuse. She, too, should be sentenced to life without any chance of parole. I get really tired of these women who get lighter sentences when they go along with their spouse's or boyfriend's criminal actions. We need to send a message to these women who fall on that "poor me" I'm a battered woman defense. Enough already. They need to be held accountable to a much higher degree than they usually are.
Sexual predators, especially those who prey on children, affect us all in some way. As I stated in my last blog post about sexual predators, I had a hand in putting two back in prison and I'd do it again. They tried befriending my then fourteen year old daughter and were hanging around other kids everyday. It was only a matter of time before they would offend again. One was a 32 year old male, the other a 19 year old female.
Sexual predators can't be identified from just looking at them. Some are teachers, coaches, church members, and next-door neighbors. Some are young and some look like our grandfathers. We can't be paranoid, but we can be vigilant. If your child says Mr. Smith down the road is so nice and invited him in his home, put the brakes on it right away and do some research. Be proactive. If Mr. Smith is a convicted sex offender, you can find out online. If he's not, don't take any chances. Teach your children to fight like hell and make as much noise as possible if someone attempts to abduct them. Keep in mind that most child sex offenders are actually closer than you think. They may be a member of your own family. Open a dialogue with your children, let them know that if ever anyone frightens them or touches them inappropriately, they can come to you whether it's a stranger, friend, or family member. Let them know that if they can get away they should get out of there as soon as possible and get help. They need to know BEFORE it happens that you are there for them no matter who it may be and that they have the right to get away from the offender.
It is time we stop sexual predators in their tracks. They deserve to rot in jail at the very least. Once a sexual predator, always a sexual predator. They may be able to keep themselves in check for years, but if opportunity presents itself, it will be almost impossible for them to just walk away. So what if a few never offend again. They had a choice the first time and decided to satisfy their needs at the expense of another person. When that person is a child, the offense is even worse than words could convey. One child is too many. For any sexual predators, one chance is too many. Let's stop crossing our fingers hoping the one who was just released from prison doesn't offend again. We shouldn't have to worry and wonder. Keep them out of society once and for all, whatever it takes.
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