NCJ Number
147666
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This 1994 report of the Virginia Commission on the Reduction of Sexual Assault Victimization focuses on breaking the cycle of sexual abuse through protection, prevention, treatment.
Abstract
Recommendations that focus on protection include the creation of a statewide sex offender registry, the requirement that sex offenders serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before parole eligibility, and making the third conviction for certain misdemeanor sex offenses a class 6 felony. Other recommendations oriented toward protection are employee records checks, removal of the 10- day statute of limitations on reporting marital rape, making it illegal to provide day care services in a home where a convicted sex offender resides, and requiring State certification for sex-offender treatment providers. Recommendations for prevention focus on services for victims of sexual assault, since many assault victims who have not been effectively treated become sexual abusers later in life. These recommendations are designed to ensure that victims receive fair and appropriate services, provided with dignity and respect. and that professionals providing the services receive adequate training.