Grandpa,
I am in prison and serving a 20-year sentence for a sexual assault. I have done extensive therapy while here and I have learned one unwavering fact. I committed my crimes out of a need to take power away from an innocent victim to feed my own need for power in my life. That is the basis for most all sex crimes. The sexual aspect is used to shame and humiliate the victim, not for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator.
Without therapy, these perpetrators will continue to hurt others. Men and women, as well as children, are targeted because there is no differentiation between them. It is not about sexual orientation. As of the first of the year, Illinois no longer will have a statute of limitations on sexual assault crimes. As a guilty perpetrator myself, I am happy to see this law passed. The victims need to know that someone cares..
My only fear is that with time, more cases may be allowed to go cold because there is no need to rush to catch a perpetrator. What good is it to lock up a perpetrator 20 years after the attack? The victim has then lived for 20 years in fear and uncertainty. The perp has had 20 years to continue to attack. We need to continue to push for a quick resolution to these types of crimes. I hope and pray that the law is used as a tool and not an excuse to get lax on enforcement. As I said, I am a guilty perpetrator. I am grateful that I was caught. I am even more grateful for the therapy I received in prison. Sadly, the powers in Springfield do not support the Sex Offender Treatment programs that are a vital link in preventing future offences. Now that we have passed the law eliminating the statute of limitations, let us invest once again in treatment programs for the offenders. Please note, not all offenders are men. I am proof of that.
Grandpa says: Yours is a very powerful testimony to the need for our lawmakers to continue to finance treatment for all sorts of rehabilitation programs. When I was still young enough to be actively involved in prison ministry, I met many who had changed with the help of therapy. I heard it estimated that for every dollar spent on rehabilitation, the state saves $9 on investigation, prosecution, and housing those who would have reoffended without therapy. As citizens looking to have a balanced budget, that sounds like a good investment. That’s only talking dollars. As you so pointed out so well, we cannot put a dollar value on the human suffering that victims and their families endure. Thank you for your timely letter.
Grandpa says: Beloved readers, there is a critical need for blood donors. Many find it inconvenient to donate blood in the middle of Winter. Others find it even more inconvenient to die from a lack of blood supplies. Please, take a few moments to give a pint. You will be glad you did. I promise.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.