THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 3, 1995 TAG: 9506300006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Regarding ``Time's out for sex offenders'' (news, June 25): I say time's up for the Allen administration.
Governor Allen exhibited complete disdain for the safety and well-being of all Virginians when he described treatment programs for sex offenders as a waste of taxpayers' money.
Nationally, one in four women and one in six men are sexually molested or raped during their lifetimes.
Many of the perpetrators go unreported and undeterred from repeatedly molesting. Those convicted serve their time and, without treatment, are apt to strike again.
I watch as my friend struggles to regain her self-esteem, dignity and confidence stolen by a child-rapist years ago.
Governor Allen should tell her that it is not worth the money to provide treatment to abusers.
He should tell her, and the thousands of Virginians like her, that sex offenders currently incarcerated are contemplating the wrongness of their deeds and are busily healing themselves.
He should promise her that they won't return in search of new victims.
Given the ``get tough'' policy, odds are in their favor of finding them.
MAGGIE HAYES
Virginia Beach, June 26, 1995 by CNB