Kat’s Blog: They Are Us

For many of those charged with sexual offenses, law enforcement may be the unfriendly enemy. Police have the unfortunate job of enforcing laws that dictate where we go, who we see, what we do.  They search our homes, ask invasive questions, make our lives and those of our family down-right miserable.  The very sight of blue uniforms and police cars can drive up our blood pressure and make us second-guess our actions. While police are not necessarily the law makers, they are the enforcers and often the object and target…

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OH: Coronavirus In Ohio: People With Sex Offenses Risk Health For In-Person Registration

[radio.wosu.org – 5/7/20] Even as most Ohioans are encouraged to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, people convicted of sexual offenses are still required to register in person. Some Ohio counties and even nearby states have waived that in-person requirement, but most, including Franklin County, have not. “So we are crossing over to the records department here in Franklin County where they make everyone start their registration journey,” says Zach Ruppel. Ruppel is familiar with this journey: He often walks people through the sex offender registration process for their first…

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Australia: Alleged sex offenders to lose anonymity under changes to South Australian law

[msn.com – 5/7/20] South Australian legal reforms that strip alleged sex offenders of their right to anonymity have been hailed as an important safety measure by the victim of a notorious paedophile. But senior legal figures have warned the change could lead to vigilante justice and destroy the reputations of those who are charged but later acquitted. The changes, which have come into effect today, mean anyone charged with a sex offence can be named from their first court appearance. One of two brothers preyed on by convicted paedophile Vivian…

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