SEX-CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22504, 23 February 1935, Page 11

SEX-CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

TO-THE EDITOB S lß __We all detest sex-crimes against children, but why will we not deal with the main cause? An English inquiry some years ago made clear the fact that such offenders are in the great majority of cases mentally abnormal. While m New Zealand I have met prisoner after prisoner guilty of offences against children under 12, but cannot recall one who was mentally normal; most of them, in fact, were obviously feeble-minded. I do not, of course, mean insane. ■ To punish such deficients as if responsible, is useless. “ Long terms of imprisonment, combined i with the lash, have proved quite ineffective as a deterrent, even to the individual concerned ” —and also offend all thoughtful citizens who know the position. Our Mental Defectives Act of 1928 provides the remedy. Why is that Act not applied. Why is our country still disgraced by the lack of all provision for care of the feeble-minded, except in mental hospital or gaol, both improper places tor them? Why are our children still left at the mercy of these men, who are mentally incapable of controlling themselves. I do not understand how our women can allow it. It is we, ourselves, who are realy responsible for such crimes and the sooner we see that, the fewer they will become. I wish our judges would draw attention to that fact, and thereby “protect the community ” from being itself unjust as well as protect our children. —I am, etc., B. E. Bauohan. Akaroa, February 21.