Rape & Recidivism

'Rape and Recidivism', a stark title designed to draw attention. When we think of sexual offences or rape, we imagine heinous crimes committed by the worst members of society. Some, no many, would argue that rape is a crime worse than murder, as it is effectively a life sentence of psychological and physical trauma for its victims; to which I am inclined to agree. As a result, many believe that life imprisonment is the only form of justice. However, controversially, this is where our mutuality ends, as I disagree.

In a recent Crown Court case, a male, who we shall name X, was convicted of historical serious sexual offences against a child. Consequently, he received an extended sentence of twelve years imprisonment and will have to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. His actions have changed the life of his victim as she was forced to suffer in silence and alone for years; processing the horrendous and unimaginable psychological trauma she was introduced too at such a young age. This was clear in her witness statement, which we can only assume was traumatising to write. Therefore, the victim and her family hoped for justice, which for them is defined as a long sentence; the longer the better. One which would ensure no contact between them and no possibility of him reoffending. However, only one of these scenarios is certain, Mr X will not be seeing the victim for a long time; hopefully forever.

To be explicit, I am suggesting that Mr X's conviction is not proven to prevent him from reoffending. In contrary to popular belief, imprisonment does not decrease reoffending, even for the most serious offences such as murder or rape. According to the Ministry of Justice (January to March 2019), sexual offences has the lowest proven reoffending rate of 12% when compared to all other adult offences including non-violent offences, which provides the highest rate of reoffending. While this is low and does not conclusively support my argument, this article's focus is sexual offences; thus it would be misleading to use another, more general statistic. Despite the low proven reoffending rate for sexual offences, it is still too high. 

Reoffending occurs due to the lack of provisions in place to aid rehabilitation, for example, psychiatric and psychological provisions. The lack of help afforded to those in need of it, to better themselves in preparation for release, is criminal. For those who argue that prison is an establishment where further punishment should be exercised against its prisoners, I respectfully disagree. The punishment is the revocation of their liberties, most notably their right to freedom. Any further punishment is barbaric and counterintuitive. After imprisonment the focus should be rehabilitation, to prevent reoffending upon release. Failure to do so leads to reoffending and more victims who suffer a similar, lifelong struggle.

The explanation for my cherrypicking of this case is that it supports my argument. Mr X is a serial offender with a history of sexual offences against minors. After his previous conviction, in which he spent seven of his fourteen years in prison, he was released on parole with no relevant rehabilitation; only certificates that he has completed alcohol management courses when it is alleged by the family that he is not historically an alcoholic, or continued medical assistance. He was released with only a set of rules and a parole officer he would liaise with on a semi-regular basis. Consequently, within months he was returned into custody after allegations and evidence that he breached his parole conditions not to be in contact with children. In addition to new historical charges that came to light, subsequently he has been re-convicted.

Unfortunately, this is the reality for many offenders. They are released without proper, personalised rehabilitation that aims to reinvent the individual so that they can conform and live peacefully within society. Many will take issue with my chosen offence being sexual offences, including rape. To defend my choice, I believe that even those who commit the worst offences should be prepared for their eventual release. So, when the date comes, they will be prepared to reintegrate and conform. For those who disagree, I understand, though what is the alternative? Zero forward thinking, zero planning, zero help and high reoffending rates. Consequently, more crime, more victims, more prisoners and a bigger financial burden on the state which you, the taxpayer, pays for. I am not advocating for criminals, or asking for sympathy; rather, I am advocating for a practical solution that will eventually see reoffending rates decrease, and that includes offences as serious as rape and murder.