Victims of abuse are put at risk when convicted sex offenders are able to walk free for months before sentencing.
In a recent case heard at the Pembroke courthouse, a former Arnprior resident was convicted of multiple counts of assault including rape. The court found the accused guilty in November of 2020, but delayed sentencing for four months until March of 2021, essentially letting a convicted sex offender walk free for Christmas.
myFM reached out to Victim Services of Renfrew County to get their take. Anti-Human Trafficking Programming Manager, Lisa Oegema, says it’s important to look at the impact this has on the victim knowing their offender is out and they are at risk.
Oegema says a convicted offender has nothing more to lose and she can only imagine what it’s like for any of the victims living, breathing and sleeping with increased fear and hypervigilance.
Oegema says we need to look at why it takes so long to sentence someone for these types of crimes. She says the whole court process is unfair to victims. Oegema questions why a victim needs to prove beyond reasonable doubt that what happened is true, but an alleged offender only has to create a reasonable doubt.
The Victim Services spokesperson hopes there’s structural changes and action plans highlighted from the inquest into the Basil Borutski triple murder that took place in 2015 in Renfrew County.
If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available.
- Victim Services of Renfrew County is also available to provide emotional and practical assistance to people who have experienced domestic violence. They can be reached at 613-649-2852 or toll free at 1-877-568-5730.
- Contact the Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930.
- The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060.
- You could also attend the emergency department of any hospital in Renfrew County and ask to speak to a member of the Assault Response Team.
- In emergencies call 9-1-1.
