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OpinionMust be stopped before they startTo the editor: Everyone in Minnesota can agree that sexual offenders must be held accountable for their heinous crimes. However, as Carla Ferrucci, executive director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault recently said, ìWe cannot forget that behind every sexual offender is one, or most likely many, victims. In the current debate about what to do with predatory sexual offenders, and the new proposals from the Governorís administration for civil commitment and tracking of sexual offenders, it is clear that the victims of sexual assault are being ignored. Itís a particularly terrible time to be a victim of sexual or domestic violence in Minnesota. Over the past three years, programs that serve our most vulnerable populations - women and children who are victims of battering and sexual assault - have had their state funding cut over $5 million. Domestic violence and sexual assault programs are on the front lines of the war against women and children every day, working with schools, faith communities, law enforcement, prosecution and community groups to change societal norms and prevent future offenders. Unfortunately, with current and past budget cuts, prevention initiatives are often the first to be eliminated in a programís budget. ìIf you think our prisons are full now with sexual offenders and batterers, what do you think theyíll be like in 10 years? In 20 years?î said Ruth Hubbing from the Southwest Crisis Center in Worthington. Cyndi Cook, executive director of the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women said, ìIt is critical that offenders be held accountable, and we support many of the state of Minnesotaís new initiatives for sexual offenders. But we cannot forget that without adequate funding for prevention efforts and for assuring the safety and security of women and children, we will never end domestic and sexual violence. Minnesota has failed its women and children by not supporting the programs that provide such essential services. We can afford safety for women and children.î Shellene Johnson ©ECM Post Review |