WI- Editorial: Residency law only one part in fight against sex assaults

Although based on a few myths it is refreshing to see a residency law with exceptions that appear logical. Further, such laws are not permitted if their intent is to make life difficult for who they call "Sex Predators."

9-28-2008 Wisconsin:

Passage of a sex-offender residency law in Sheboygan, which appears very likely, should not cause anyone to think that we are completely protected from sex assaults.

Aldermen, meeting as a Committee of the Whole, voted last Monday for a favorable report on an ordinance that prohibits a person who must register with the state as a sex offender from living within 2,000 feet of a school, playground, park, licensed day-care center or place of worship. The 14-0 committee vote virtually assures passage by the council on Oct. 6.

Though the measure, with its 2,000-foot barrier from the specified places, effectively bars sex offenders from living anywhere in Sheboygan, it only will apply to those convicted after the law takes effect.

Right now, there are about 200 registered sex offenders who live in the city and are unaffected by the residency law unless they want to move.

There are provisions for newly released sex offenders to apply for a waiver from the residency rule.

And, a sex offender can live with his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse or child if they have lived in the city for at least two years.

Fortunately, with the state law that requires sex offenders to report their address to police, people do have access to this information.

One of the problems we saw with the 2,000-foot exclusionary zone is that it could cause some sex offenders to not comply with the provision in the state law to report their address to police.

They would "go underground," according to the state Department of Corrections.

The idea behind the state registry law is to keep the public informed as to where sex offenders are residing, but if offenders flaunt this law, no one knows where they are and the level of protection decreases.

So even with passage of a city ordinance, convicted sex offenders will still be living in Sheboygan.

Unfortunately, there will also be sexual assaults in the future.

Those who prey on children are not likely to be intimidated by a residency law. Also, there is the sad reality that family members commit many of the sexual assaults of children.

The scourge of sexual assault cannot be completely removed with passage of a residency law.

But together with community awareness, aggressive prosecution of those who commit sexual assault and stiff sentences, a community can make life difficult for sex predators. ..News Source.. by Sheboygan Press.com