Anyone who lives in Ontario has heard of the Holly Jones case. The 10 year girl who was abducted, and her dismembered body was found a day later. I did not say Raped, because that information has not been released to the public yet; however, the police are investigating all known sex offenders in the area.
The incredible news from this horrible crime is that there are over 200 registered sex offenders in that area. Unbelievable. When I heard this of course I wanted to find out how safe my own neighbourhood is. Except, this information is available to police only, and only if they check the registry, and only if the offender registers, and only if the offender is from Ontario. (other provinces do not have a registry yet)
The hue and cry has again gone up for a National Registry. Again, we sweet people are only asking that police have access to it. For once I envy our American neighbours.
At kspsor.state.ky.us/SORRelatedSites.htm you will find a listing of the American registry's listed by State and how to access them.
Yesterday a block from where Holly lived, another little 6 boy was almost abducted. The vigillance of his mother was the only thing that saved him, she looked back at the child just in time to see him being led away by a man. After she screamed the man ran off leaving the boy behind.
Canada has now agreed that we need some kind of national registry - one that will be available to police only. The haggling has begun over how serious the crime must be to get your name on the list.
Some towns are now publishing the names of johns who are convicted in their areas, but we still refuse to let parents know the name of convicted dangerous sex offenders living on their streets? Perhaps this needs to be an election issue.
The Canadian Centre for missing Children is here : www.victimsofviolence.on.ca/ They also have a lot of tips on how to keep your child safe, as well as discussion on current issues.
Posted by Dar... at June 2, 2003 07:47 AM | TrackBack