Thousands of Paedophiles and Rapists Removed from Register Despite Crimes
A shocking number of sex offenders have been taken off the register, raising concerns about victim safety and the system’s effectiveness
Paedophiles, Rapists, Sex Offenders Register, UK, Laura Stewart, Safeguarding Alliance
London: It’s pretty alarming to hear that thousands of paedophiles and rapists have managed to get themselves removed from the sex offenders register since 2019. Seriously, it’s like the system is letting them off the hook way too easily.
Recent reports show that about 75% of those who applied to be taken off the register actually succeeded. That’s a huge number! Campaigners are understandably upset, saying this puts offenders ahead of the victims.
According to data from Freedom of Information requests, nearly 2,000 offenders in England and Wales have had their applications approved. This includes some really serious cases, like child rape and sexual assault.
One of the voices calling for change is Laura Stewart. She found out that her abuser had been removed from the register and was living nearby. Imagine the shock! She was abused as a child, and now she has to worry about running into him.
Laura’s story really shows how dangerous it can be when offenders slip off the radar without proper checks. Right now, if someone is convicted of a sexual crime, they go on the register and have to keep the police updated about where they live and travel. But after 15 years, they can apply to be removed.
It’s a bit concerning, though. A Home Office spokesperson said that offenders won’t be taken off the register if they still pose a risk. But with so many getting approved, it raises questions about how effective the system really is.
Emily Konstantas, who leads the Safeguarding Alliance, is pushing for urgent reforms. She believes the process for removing offenders isn’t strict enough. If 75% are getting off, what’s the point of the register? Survivors can’t just stop being survivors, and it’s traumatic for them to know their abuser isn’t being monitored anymore.
She suggests that there should be more transparency in the process and that even after being removed, offenders should still be monitored to some extent. It’s all about keeping victims safe, right?
The data shows that applications to be removed peaked in 2021, with hundreds of offenders applying. Laura only found out about her abuser’s status when her mom spotted him in the area. It’s a nightmare for her to think he could be living right next door.
She said, “The thought of your perpetrator walking around freely is terrible.” It’s a valid fear, especially since he was only in prison for half of his sentence.
Tom Squire from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation thinks the system has its merits but warns against complacency. He believes in giving people a chance to change, but there should be strict checks in place to ensure safety.
It’s a tough balance to strike, but one thing’s for sure: the current system needs a serious look-over to protect victims better.