NOW - NEW YORK STATE SUPPORT MEMO
A-00508 and S-00480 - Increases Criminal Penalties for Sexual Offenders in Positions of Trust
March 2005
|
Search Site With  |
|
|
|
Children are often placed under the supervision and care of adults other than their parents for varying portions of the day. They learn to trust these adults and to rely on them for safety and other forms of care. If this bond of trust is taken advantage of and breached, children can be physically, emotionally and sexually abused by the people they were taught to feel safe with.
This legislation increases the criminal penalties for adults who violate the trust placed in them by children and their parents. Sexual assault against children is always appalling; when the abuse comes from a person in whom the child placed his/her utmost trust, it is even more horrendous and inexcusable.
New York State has a responsibility to protect its children against sexual abuse and assault. Adults in positions of trust, whether they are responsible for the health, education, welfare or supervision of a child, must not violate that bond through abuse or assault. Those that do will be charged with a violent felony offense and face harsh penalties.
The National Organization for Women-New York State, Inc. strongly urges the NYS Legislature to support this legislation and protect our children from sexual assault.
Marcia A. Pappas, President, NOW-NYS, Inc.
Lori Gardner, Executive VP
Barbara Kirkpatrick, Legislative Vice President
|
