Sep 22 - Pressure Group Formed To Lobby For Tougher Sentences For Sexual Offenders
A new pressure group called 'No Means No' has been formed in response to the rising number of sexual offences being heard in the courts in Gibraltar.
The group says it feels that this area of the law is not being taken seriously and sentences, if given, are “minimal”. Rehabilitation is not available and an unacceptable number of perpetrators are serial offenders.
A spokesperson commented, “We are concerned about the number of cases appearing at court of perpetrators of sexual violence and the low sentences given. Recently in the news, a repeat offender who was found guilty of attempted robbery and sexual assault whilst on bail for a similar offence, was given a low sentence of four months. We understand he is also awaiting trial for another offence. We feel intimidated and unsafe on our streets and our own homes and we challenge local ministers and authorities to deal with this appropriately and with a hard line. Enough is enough."
The founder members will be holding an AGM on Wednesday 4th October at John Mackintosh Hall and encourage all concerned citizens to get involved.
"Our aims are to protest against low sentencing, highlight sexual crimes against children and campaign for the exposure of paedophiles so our children are safe. We also aim to educate the public on all aspects of rape and abuse, including grooming and the risks of sexting and will be joining with sister organisations in UK and other nations to eliminate this crime against the vulnerable."
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