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Support for the "Protect ALL Children" Bill |
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Support for HB 571 and for Closing the Incest Exception Loophole Illinois Rep. Joe Dunn, Bill Sponsor Child sexual abuse is not a social disease. It is a crime and should be punished as a crime. Andrew Vachss, Attorney and Author Which is more destructive to our species: the random sexual assault of a child or the sexual assault of a child by the very individual whom all laws command to protect that child? Grier Weeks, Executive Director, National Association to PROTECT Children We don't allow probation and therapy for armed robbery. If we did, it would be open season on banks. We shouldn't allow it for the rape of a little boy or girl. If we do, we send the message that it's open season on children. We thank Representatives Dunn and O'Brien and the other heroes in Illinois who are fighting to protect children. Dr. Laura Schlessinger Tell your representative that you want that incest loophole closed in every state; that people who molest their own children or stepchildren should have the same punishment as any adult who sexually violates a child—certainly not less because it is theirs. Terri Horton O'Connell, Executive Director, CASA of DuPage ... Sexual abuse by a family member and/or caretaker is the most devastating kind because of the significant breech of trust, manipulation, and power. I have seen these children grow into adults with emotional scars that last a lifetime. It seems fitting and logical that the law should hold perpetrators of familial sexual abuse to the same (if not higher) legal standard as non-familial perpetrators. Victor Vieth, National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse As I travel around the country, many child abuse prosecutors express confusion over the disparate treatment of child abuse victims and the lack of public outcry. If those who enforce the laws are often frustrated by them, heaven help the boy or girl victims who live with disparate protection. Marilyn Van Derbur, Former Miss America and Incest Survivor I am stunned and outraged to learn that in many states, the maximum penalty for raping a child is probably probation if the perpetrator is related to the child. If the perpetrator is not related to the child, the maximum penalty is 20 plus years. Barrie Ann Mason, MA, MFT When incest is part of the family, it creates individuals who have been robbed of their opportunity to function as happy, productive adults. Incest is a very serious crime and should be punished on the same level as other serious crimes. HB 571 is Endorsed by:PROTECT Return to "Illinois to Eliminate Child Sexual Abuse Loophole" |