NOW - NEW YORK STATE SUPPORT MEMO
A-003721 (Eddington) - Prohibits Sex Offenders from Child Custody and Full Visitation Rights
March 2005
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This vital piece of legislation prohibits a sex offender from being granted physical or legal custody of, or unsupervised visitation with a child. Children of sex offenders are at great risk for abuse and deserve significant protection under the law. To place a child in the custody of a sex offender or to allow unsupervised visitation with such a dangerous adult is to endanger that child’s well-being and safety.
New York State needs to take an active role in preventing further victimization by sex predators. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections distinguishes sex offenders from other criminals, stating that factors such as stable employment and income, offender compliance and a seemingly typical lifestyle may not necessarily indicate a reduced level of risk. Thus it is difficult to clearly judge whether or not rehabilitation and treatment have been successful. A study cited by the Institute for Psychological Therapies suggests that treatment does not prevent sex offenders from recommitting sex crimes.
The majority of sex offenders cannot be rehabilitated. New York State has a responsibility to protect its children from sexual violence and to ensure the right of children to live in a safe home free from sexual abuse.
The National Organization for Women - New York State, Inc. strongly urges the NYS Legislature to support this legislation and to protect children from sexual abuse.
Marcia A. Pappas, President, NOW-NYS, Inc.
Lori Gardner, Executive VP
Barbara Kirkpatrick, Legislative Vice President
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