Sentences for sexual related offences short

[FindingNeverland1]

(VERY POORLY WORDED POST. Apologies, up half the night with relentlessly unsettled baby.)

AIBU to think punishment for sexual assault or sexual offences are often pretty minimal. It feels to me the punishment doesn't remotely fit the crime. In most cases.

I so frequently think 'really, just Xyears (sometimes months) for all of that! Then they can freely carry on living, what about the victim'.

Can't help but wonder if it's because laws and punishment may historically been set predominantly by men. And the perpetrators of these crimes, lets face it, are usually men and the victim less likely to be a man, but a woman or a child.

Can't help but wonder if it's because laws and punishment may historically been set predominantly by men. And the perpetrators of these crimes, lets face it, are usually men and the victim less likely to be a man, but a woman or a child.

Yeah, that’s exactly why. And it won’t change until society becomes less patriarchal - so never, probably.

Well I think it's partly because they will be on the Sex Offenders Register afterwards anyway, so there is still some level of supervision.

Nobody thinks going to prison will actually change them, so keeping them in longer won't make a difference. Do you see prison more as a punishment than rehabilitation?

Most prison sentences are too short, not just sex offences. The justice system is based on leniency in most cases - prison is seen as a last resort (especially for women). Scan the court section of your local paper and you will find an abundance of people convicted for assault or repeated shoplifting getting a small fine.

obody thinks going to prison will actually change them, so keeping them in longer won't make a difference. Do you see prison more as a punishment than rehabilitation?

It should be, yes. People should fear prison, it should be an awful experience that nobody would willingly go back to. Plenty of repeat offenders aren't all that bothered by it. If it isn't so horrible as to deter them from committing more crime, what is the point of locking them up at all?

YANBU - and compounded by the awful 'sex game gone wrong' defence (hopefully that will not carry on happening) and many cases not reaching trial or getting a conviction.

YANBU - over the years there have been so many times I've wondered if our judicial system is designed to keep women from reporting and seeking justice for crimes committed against them, because it really does feel like it.

Can't help but wonder if it's because laws and punishment may historically been set predominantly by men. And the perpetrators of these crimes, lets face it, are usually men and the victim less likely to be a man, but a woman or a child.

Well generally crimes against property are also treated more harshly than crimes against the person. If you look at who the law protects - and how - you can pretty quickly see the feudal hierarchy is alive and well and living on the statute books.

Do you see prison more as a punishment than rehabilitation

Yes, I see it as a punishment to go to prison.