Not really AIBU but would like thoughts please

[rootietootie]

Had friends round and for some strange reason got onto the discussion of paedos and how they should be dealt with. Think probably because there was a case in the local paper. Most of us thought jail for a very long time/forever at the very least but one friend started going on about rehabilitation and was pretty much shot down by everyone else. What do other mnetters think about about that, and can anyone explain rehabilitation to me because I just dont think it is possible with paedophiles.

I don't think they can be rehabilitated. I think it's the way they are hard wired. If there is ever a cure it will have to be neurological.

Gone for a lighthearted christmasy thread subject then

I say put them all in a big building with only the Dail Wail as reading matter

But jail for a very long time would include a rehab program

It's Christmas Eve. I will have a think in the New Year,

Sorry, realise this is a tad heavy for Christmas eve :o but this discussion became pretty heated and I just wondered what anyone else thought. If I add a does this make it more xmassy?

Was alcohol involved rootie?

How the fuck can you do a [ hmm ] face when it's got a fucking santa hat on?

See? Nobody's going to take me seriously now.

Ha this was me two weeks ago on DP's Xmas do, 'debating' with the bosses wife. She thinks that paedophiles should be 'put down', whilst I hold polar opposite views to this. She thinks I am on another planet seriously couldn't grasp that all people don't think the same as her.

I think there needs to be, and indeed there are, a variety of sentencing options. This is because there are a number of different events that can be classed as pedophilia. The law as it stands roughly divides these into contact and non-contact offences. There are also different drivers for people to commit these acts. I am not seeking to be an apologist for this type of behaviour here, but adults with learning difficulties who are failing to understand social mores would be treated differently to people in positions of trust who then abuse these positions. There is also evidence to suggest that there are different contextual situations in which people do or do not commit these acts. For example, some only offend within the family, so only outside of it. So that's what I know. As for what I think. I think that some sex offenders can be rehabilitated, and not necessarily in a custodial setting, but that as we stand we do not do enough to support the victims. In the initial stages whilst convictions are being sought there is support, but the criminal justice system all to neatly ends for the victim with the court verdict and sentencing. Sorry heavy.

OK I've worked in rehabilitation and with sex offenders. The problem is that, similarly to addictions, sex offenders are compulsive and reoffend constantly. With addicts we say, relapse is part of recovery and expect a few humps in the road. With sex offenders those relapses are ruined lives and abused children. That's why relapses are not acceptable for this group. I do believe in treating humans well. A nice island in the outer Hebrides with all the mod cons and no way off.

I'm in agreement with MrsTP, for a lot of these people it is an illness - a sick, horrific compulsion that is hard to overcome and easy to relapse into. All mod cons on the island bar computers and the Internet, yes?

Very difficult subject matter. Having said that, I know someone married to an offender (downloaded images, non contact) who has remained with her DH and claims he's rehabilitated. Fortunately I'll not be in any situations to meet him.

Op does your friend have children of her own?

My only view is that I don't know the answer, but firmly believe that sentencing policy should be heavily influenced by psychologists/psychiatrists who do have the appropriate expertise to comment. It's not right or in the public interest to keep people locked up if they don't need to be, or to let them out if they remain a danger. The hysterical wailing of the Daily Mail should be firmly ignored in favour of the views of people who know what they're talking about.