by Kristin Francis

Created on: January 27, 2010

You teach your child that the world is a safe place.  That you will never allow any harm to fall upon them.  That you will always protect them.  And you mean that and believe it with every fiber of your being.  

Unfortunately there are child predators, child molesters, pedophiles, and all around evil people out there that do not bat an eye at making your unwavering pledge an untruth, through no fault of yours.  It is estimated that up to 80% of sexual assaults are committed by family members or by someone known to the victim.  This seems, even more heinous than if it was by a stranger.  The very people that children are taught to trust are the same ones that destroy the trust they have in everyone.

Sexual assault, abuse, and molestation come in more forms than just physical.  Physical sexual assault (or abuse/molestation) is any contact between a sex organ (anus or mouth) of one person and a sex organ (anus or mouth) of the other by force or coercion.  This may not necessarily mean penetration, but merely the touching, rubbing, or oral performance, although, obviously penetration is the worst as it can cause great physical damage.

What about sexually inappropriate behavior?  While this does not physically harm someone, aid in the transmission of STD’s, or pregnancy, can be just as damaging.  But this abuse causes harm psychologically or emotionally.  Showing pornographic materials such as magazines or movies, walking around naked in front of the victim, or taking pictures or movies of the minor are all methods of sexually inappropriate behavior.  This behavior is another way that the perpetrator gets sexual arousal and shows power over their victim.

Any of these actions would result in physical or psychological (or both) damage to your child or loved one, and cause great anger in you.  You would most likely want vindication in some form.  But, should child molesters receive the death penalty?

According to the 1977 Supreme Court ruling on Coker versus Georgia, the death penalty for child molesters is “cruel and unusual punishment” for rape cases.  Hmm.  Seems that being stalked, “chosen,” raped, sodomized, or victimized in any way would be “cruel and unusual” punishment for the victim.  No one wakes up and decides, today is the day I hope to be raped.  Being assaulted leaves the victim afraid, ashamed, feeling dirty, damaged,

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