Given recent revelations that convicted serial paedophile Graham Capill will be eligible for parole as early as June 2008, there is a palpable mood of outrage and disgust on Gaynz.Com’s bulletin board.

Why is this the case? In my own context, it is because I am related to two women were the subjects of incestuous paedophile assault. One turned out lesbian, while the other is a straight woman, but neither have been able to pursue constructive relationships due to their abuse. For that reason, I must ask what about victims rights in this context? Lest we forget, Capill raped three female children. At least one of the girls is reported to have entertained suicidal thoughts as a result of her abuse.

Three years is not long enough for effective rehabilitation, and it certainly does not reflect the gravity of Capill’s crimes in this instance.  I have heard that the Parole Board has a psychologist on its panel. Sorry, but I would prefer that there was specific input from child welfare and developmental professionals in this instance, and that Capill be denied parole if a detailed psychopathological evaluation from their quarter showed the least likelihood of his re-offending.  Perhaps there should also be an evaluation of the victims wellbeing and health in this context. If victim mental or physical health would be adversely affected, then let him serve out the rest of his sentence.

This is not my own desire for vengeance against Capill as an individual. I would feel the same way, regardless of the gender of the victim, and regardless of the identity of the perpetrator.  Given that any such reform would have to be generalised, I would therefore suggest the following questions be posed to the Minister of Justice, Opposition Justice spokespeople and others:

   “Should parole and sentencing laws be reformed in cases of child sexual abuse to include mandatory input from pediatricians and child development specialists?”

  ”Should parole be abolished in the case of convicted child sexual offenders, and should they be forced to serve out their entire sentence?”

Ref: http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_5860.php