Activists against sexual abuse in Dominica are expressing disagreement with a judge’s recent ‘gag order’ directing the media not to publish the names of sexual offenders after they have been tried and convicted, and are calling for the establishment of a sexual offenders’ registry on the island.
At the opening of the May Criminal Assizes, High Court Judge Birnie Stephenson, told the media the full names of persons charged with, or convicted of any sexual offense should not be published or they will “will face the full force of this court.”
According to her, only initials should be used.
But, this does not sit well with activists across the island who feel that too much emphasis is being placed on protecting the perpetrators and not the victims.
Speaking to Dominica News Online on Tuesday morning, Delia Cuffy-Weekes explained that in principle, the law is set up to protect the victim and also it would be unfair to publish the offender’s name before being found guilty by a jury.
However, she thinks there is a problem when persons are found guilty and the media is not allowed to have their names published.
“It seems as if we are more interested in protecting the perpetrators because we know, especially in our Dominican system, that very little is done for the victims. It is time that we stop focusing so much on the perpetrators,” she said.
She argued that even if names are not published by the media, “we live in a small community … most people know who these people are.”
According to Section 38.1b of the Sexual Offences Act of 1998, the name of an accused can be published “after the person has been tried and convicted of the offence.” However, the Act makes it clear that the identity of an accused person in a sex crime cannot be published while the matter is before the court.
In light of this, social worker Francis Joseph is making a plea for an explanation of the judge’s order.
“I’m hoping that this was an error on the part of the judge,” a concerned Joseph said. “If the law is indicating that the person is protected all the way through to the point of being found guilty and convicted, I can understand that to a certain extent. If the law indicates something and there are some changes in it, or some swing in it, for whatever reason, I think we the public need a sort of explanation as to the reason for it.”
He echoed the same sentiments as Cuffy-Weekes, pointing out that the names of offenders are most of the time already known by the masses although they were not published in the media.
In the meantime, overseas based activist, Adelaide Paul, emphasized that changes must be made to the law governing sexual crimes.
“They need to put some changes in the law to make this thing a little bit more serious, expose them more,” she stated. “In exposing the perpetrator I don’t think you are harming the victim. What I think they need to do however, is the government needs to create programs to rehabilitate victims, have more therapists, because it affects them for the rest of their life. So even if you never release the perpetrators name, it is not helping the victim.”
Paul, who recently launched an online petition calling for amendments to be made to the Sexual Offences Act, added that she is prepared to continue fighting for the sake of the sexually abused.
“I have sent emails and messages to the opposition, to the Prime minister but nobody has responded to us, nobody has given us much of a voice but it is not a fight that I have given up, I’m still going to fight, even if it is to bring awareness by constantly talking about it, then that’s what I’m going to do,” she said.
All three parties agreed that a registry displaying convicted offender’s names, pictures and offences needs to be established in Dominica.
“We do not have in Dominica a register of perpetrators that if they move from one community to the next the police and the public are aware of people moving around from community to community,” Francis said. “Are they a threat? Are they going to be a continued threat to young children and their families? This is a very serious matter.”
Paul noted that the registry should be made available in all schools, police stations and other public places.
When asked how will the registry impact the rate of sexually related crimes on the island, Delia Cuffy-Weekes stated it will make the population more aware of what they can do more to protect themselves.
“Sexual offenders come in all shapes and sizes and most of them have honed their skills, so they are not devils with little horns that make you afraid when you see them,” she said. “They are charming, they study their victims, they know how to get to them and sometimes, particularly women unwittingly allow these people to enter their homes and prey on their children.”
She said a sex offender’s registry gives people access to information.
“If people are aware of who these people are then they can do a lot more to protect their children and themselves,” Cuffy-Weekes said.
Some $#%& said they should not publish the NAME of the perpetrator. Only publish his INITIALS.
It people can identify his initials they will know who he is. So what is the difference? Why not publish his name?
If they cannot identify his initials why publish his initials? It would serve no purpose if people cannot figure out who they stand for.
It is like God forbid we should embarrass or shame the perpetrators! You must stop protecting these criminals and start taking care of the victims.
If they ever get a convicted sex offender’s registry in Dominica then maybe they will put together a professional treatment plan of counseling for the victims – mandated by the court – and supervised by a social worker who reports to the judge. It should begin immediately after the offence, and be ongoing for a reasonable time to avoid future problems.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
The same problems exist in Canada and elsewhere. I am directing my comments to people in my own nation as well as Dominica. I am sure the good people of Dominica understand this. DNO has many Canadian readers who appreciate your Dominican commentators.
Much has been said about the perpetrators of sex crimes against children. I am not alone in thinking more should be done for the victims. Here in Canada we have seen people who were sexually abused as children develop problems with alcohol and drugs early in their adult lives. I know for certain some committed suicide. This could be contributed directly to the fact that there was a little of no counseling and insufficient follow up.
Some were damaged to the point of being unable to develop normal relationships with the opposite gender. A significant number of those who were violated by homosexual pedophiles developed gender identify disorder and orientation confusion.
Hopefully one thing that will come out of all this much needed attention will be a focus on caring for the victims.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
there are always loop holes and shorts cuts. You, my theory is if a man mess with your kids you deal with him and then the law deals with you. by so doing the names get published and people get the story in full.
i do not like to incite violence and create chaos but some of these people need to learn the hard way. presently a friend of mine is experiencing some mental disturbance because a man who is been messing with his daughter from a young age is now the father of her child. the father is afraid to talk because the mother wants to keep him quiet just because the perp is a police officer.
but people are different because i would not get mad while man outside enjoyng life and my grandchild is not registered with a father. a lot of sickness is being covered in this country.
We cannot blame the judge, as the judge is inclined to see into the future. Very soon the tables will be turned an all the sexual crimes that has been done by great perverts will be released and these pervs include politicians, police and members of the legal fraternity.
I believe that when it comes to sexual crimes moses-law should be reincarnated and the names of people who hurt people who commit these crimes names should not be published. So if a man mess with my kid and i mess with his balls by taking out one, my name should be protected. i think that is a fair deal.
Those who are CONVICTED of sexually molesting a child should have their names published along with their pictures, and the general vicinity of where they are living.
This should be published in the newspaper, and given on the
radio. Fliers with this information – names, pictures, and general vicinity of where they are living – should be placed on poles and on public bill boards, in stores. supermarkets, garages, and service stations. They should be given to school principals to be posted in the schools and handed out to the teachers.
Convicted perpetrators should not be allowed within a specified distance of a school or a park where children are. Known violations should be reported to the police if he is seen hanging out around children. The perp should have to report in person to their nearest police station once a week.
The actual address of the perpetrator should not be given out, only the general vicinity of where he lives. Harassment of any kind should not be tolerated. No nasty words or actions. This person is a human being and must be treated with the understanding that hopefully he is in the process of recovery. The measures that are being taken are to contribute to the healing process as well as protect the innocent. They should remain in place (in whole or in part) until the judge is satisfied the individual is no longer a threat.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. D.D., International Evangelist and Pastoral Counselor.
http://www.livinghopeministries.ca
Delia continue to fight so this law can be changed. Good job.
I am first to respectfully disagree that you cannot publish the name of the Convict after conviction where the law says it is OK to do so. However, this section needs amending only to bring about a certain effect. The rationale of the law is to protect the victim from stress, distress etc. Does it mean that automatically upon conviction, the stress, distress of the victim automatically disappears? So instead of these activists ranting and raving just to have the name of an individual published, why not rant and rave to have support systems implemented to safeguard the psychological fallout of the victims?
im respectfully urging that before you come on here ranting and raving about what these people should and shouldnt do “read the entire article clearly”
In the meantime, overseas based activist, Adelaide Paul, emphasized that changes must be made to the law governing sexual crimes.
“They need to put some changes in the law to make this thing a little bit more serious, expose them more,” she stated. “In exposing the perpetrator I don’t think you are harming the victim. What I think they need to do however, is the government needs to create programs to rehabilitate victims, have more therapists, because it affects them for the rest of their life. So even if you never release the perpetrators name, it is not helping the victim.”
I see nothing to gain by releasing the name of the victim to he public. It is difficult to keep it a secret if there is a trial but if it could be kept in the courtroom it would be a good thing.
DELICA CUFFY-WEEKES this is the work of a Great Dominica..I love you..DNO this is the kinda of news you need to keep us up-to-date on. #KeepUpTheGoodFight
Cold soup might be on the list
Do it self. Even put the publication at Jays book store. it will surely sell. The proceeds from the sale will go to counseling for the victims
It should be done have a registry for the sex offenders why protect them……. they destroy people children and the elderly also now the judge is being sympathetic shame on us for allowing this let the nation know who thery are.
Yes Delia,I support you on this one!
establisment of a registry would serve as a deterrance to individuals contemplating sex acts. It would also make available valuable data which can be used by the general public to make informed decisions and steer policies. For example, a regestry in the long run will allow society / the global public, to be able to analyse rate of sex crimes and the demographics of the offenders. It will help us to figure out whether we truly have an epidemic of sex offenses or random cases. Having that information in hand, the society can then take measure to up root such type of offence from our society and position our country as a place where everyone respect each other.
If we are against creating a registry of convicted sex offenders, we are against protecting our children. Simple as that.
Delia set up the petition and I will sign and get every single person I know who stands against child molesters to sign too. I find that Judge was way out of line. Seem to me criminals and in this case have more rights than victims. It was the same “coovetee boll” and money under table that caused so many of them to do it to multiple minors sometimes in the same family. I don’t care if one of my family members get caught in the drag net, PUBLISH THEIR NAMES. A RAPIST IS A RAPIST!!!!! and this is something you never get over. If you don’t want your name on the list stay away from people’s kids. Let children be children. PUBLISH their names on the list with pictures and even their home address if need be. Dominica needs a sex offenders list. When you start shaming them, they will think twice, the other solution then is street justice.
Bless You Judge! you did not obtain this Title because of your good looks but highly educated. We all are born differently but are made to be treated as equal. If offenders name are published they will be treated differently by the public,they will be harassed and discriminated against.they served their sentence and that’s’ it.
They “…served their sentence…”
How does this protect the public
People have a right to know
if a sex offender 
of any kind is living in their community.
Women have right to know
if it is not safe for them to go for a walk alone after dark.
Parents have right to decide how far from home they should allow their children to walk or play unaccompanied.
People should know
the face and appearance 
of any pervert in their community so they can report to the police immediately if they spot him 
near a school, park, community center or anyplace else where children congregate.
We should not be looking for ways to make the offender’s like easier. This is not about being nice to child abusers or rapists. It is about protecting the innocent.
Nobody should take the law in their own hands. Let there be no vigilante justice. There should not be even a word of verbal abuse. However, when this happens it is usually because people are totally frustrated by cops not doing job or worse still and more often by bleeding heart judges who care more for criminals than the victims.
The media owe it to the public to have their reporters and investigative journalists out there doing their jobs. Tax paying citizens deserve to know when an arrest is made, what the charge was, and what verdict and sentence was handed down. With no accountability you have a broken and lame justice system. With child abuse cases increasing by the year you don’t need reports dying on somebody’s desk, or follow-up being lost in the paper work.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D., International Evangelist and
former licensed Private Investigator, (P.I.)
Just for balance: the law states that “the name of the perpetrator can be published after the case” the important being can. Which seem to indicate that the judge has some latitude.
The intention of the law is not to protect the perpetrator but the victim – once you declare the perpetrator you give away the victim in small communities.
There is a known sexual offender, who has been jailed several times for se crimes who presents himself as such and get women to bed with him. He says ” my name is …. Is me they say that rape so and so” and gets females into his charm.
My position all sex offenders must get the full brunt of the law without exposing the victims to further pain
I agree with the creation of a sex offenders registry. This should include names, date of birth, address and place of work. Consideration must be given to if the offender will be on the registry for life, or if there is a time limit. What treatment or rehabilitation will the offender receive? We may need sex offenders programs with counseling; a check in system, where the offender has to check in regularly with a probation officer and with a therapist.
We need to protect those who are vulnerable in our society, namely children and women, and yes, even some men who may be victims of sexual abuse.
The registry holds offenders accountable. If you are found guilty of this crime, you lose your privacy – your information will be published and people will know who you are. When you apply for a job your criminal record will indicate that you are a sexual offender. Offenders will be prohibited from working in certain fields where they will be considered high risk.
Sex offenders Are like parasite they keep offending every chance they get. Register them, and they better hope DA dont do like d US. Band them from living Next to school.
While we sit and worry about the feeling of the convicted offenders what about the long term scarring on those offended and those who may eventually offended? So many of these unnamed sexual deviants are left to roam and eventually repeat those acts either in their communities or elsewhere. Most of the time they claim to be abused as children and therefore powerless against carrying out the same violations on others. I say let them be known and protect those who may be potential victims.
I have just launched the Dominica Women’s Initiative to help women and girls who have been violated, abused, raped or traumatized in any way. By helping them to get rid of Post Traumatic Stress, they can get their life back.
The flashbacks and the bad dreams and fears dissipate and disappear.
this initiative was started in America in 2012 by the David lynch Foundation, and so far, it has helped thousands of women in America and around the globe including refugees in Africa who were gang-raped, beaten and left for dead.
Anyone can join. it will be a support group for abused persons.
We will need the help of the public to teach courses that include growing up. We will also need to teach the boys to respect themselves and women and girls. teach the girls to respect themselves and teach them to reach for their goals until they succeed. The abusers need rehabilitation too, as only mentally and spiritually sick persons would attack women and children in any way.
I have had the opportunity to treat many women girls and boys too, who have been traumatized in one way or the other, always with success.
They learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, practice yoga and may receive Ayurvedic treatment if needed. Ayurvedic treatments include Ayurvedic Massage for balance, non-invasive natural healing techniques, special oil treatments to heal the brain and nervous system.
While we take care of knowing where the abusers are located so we can better protect our young ones, we need to help the abused ones to heal and let them get on with their lives without the constant scar that the trauma leaves within their minds. Please visit this site, to see the excellent work that is being done all over the world with abused women and girls.
http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/women you can also visit our own site, http://dm.tm.org Tel:1 767 316 9765
I agree the judge need to explain.
I also support the call for a public registry.
If you do not want to get on the registry then don’t do it!!!
One more tool for the victims
@Delbert Harry
There are millions of people in the US and just a hand full of men here. People in the US too busy to go and check out sex offenders on internet to see who the sex offenders are.
Dominica is small and you know once they set up some sex offender registry many people must go and check it out. The place small so many will know and tell de other one and so it going to spread. They will be aware and some will definitely know to stay away and keep their children aware of who they are. So you see you cannot compare DA and the US.
People in the USA do check to see if sexual predators are living in their neighborhoods.
so what about people like me who mind their business and not involved in village gossip? Make that stuff public.
I totally agree with you mam! We should have a sex offender’s registry and it should be PUBLIC too! let everyone know who they are
my point is some of us who are the crusaders to publish names of sexual offenders have crocodile in their closets,and are a bunch of hypocrites.why it is not a problem to be keeping other person’s husband/ wife in secret.these people should also be a crusader for maintaining and saving family and not breaking up marriages. we seems to be choosing which justice to crusade for and which battle to fight..bunch of hypocrites..why try to move the mold from our brother’s eyes and beholdeth the mold in our own eyes?
As a social worker who stands for social policies and social justice i think that the public should be aware of the many disturbed individuals out there destroying young girls and boys sexually. The names of any perpetrator who has been found guilty should be published .This will raise awareness to the public and it may also be a source of strength for the accused to create change in his life because the public has now identified them and has a negative eye over them. Too many of these perpetrators are running the streets of Dominica free and continuing the bad habits, the saga must end and they should be held countable for their wrongs, so publishing their names is a bold step for change and safety for our children and even vulnerable adults who are scared to disclose their pain for fear of being strike again.
I am hoping that was an error on the part of the Judge. It is high time that we stop protecting the perpetrators while the victims and their families are left unaided. Because in most cases the family members are unable to provide the support that the victims need to deal with the situation. Sometimes unless the problem is not on our doorsteps we continue to cast a blind eye, a result of the selfish society we now live in.
We seem to be forgetting that these perpetrators can now move freely from Dominica to anywhere else in the OECS now that there’s free movement. While it’s necessary to protect folks/children in DA we should also be concerned that they are not able to simply move to another OECS territory and continue abusing children in lets say St. Lucia or Antigua.
For example if someone sexually abuses someone in the UK and is now in DA looking for a job (let say for example he/she has applied for a job working with children) a potential employer can call the UK police and find out something as basic as whether it is safe for that person to work with children. The same thing (at least) is needed in the OECs region.
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a registry for sex offenders wouldn’t work in dominica if not implemented properly. a man hunt is just waiting to happen, i really hope the officials take their time with this as there are serious repercussions when dealing with such a sensitive issue
A sex offender registry isn’t that complicated. It’s a simple database with the name, charge they are convicted of, & the date of the crime. All registries in the USA also list an address.
i know what it is and how it works…….it is a mess in the U.S…..we can’t just implement a system based on what we see in the U.S, it needs to be modified accordingly to suits us……….what happened when someone is wrongfully convicted and put on that list? there are alot of issues that need to be dealt with before drafting the necessary legislation
I do not believe there would be any manhunt, we are not uncivilized animals. Yes they will be shunned , yes they may not get jobs, yes they may face ridicule, AND WHAT, its what they deserve. They have wounded an innocent member of society and if not in prison they deserve what they get , it may make them think 3 times before offending. Its called a consequence. Look how D/cans treat victims, they’re the ones who’re innocent and yet still they face repercussions. Absolutely we need a registry.
No man hunt will happen. Presenly people are knowing who victimize their children and do you hear any man hunt happening. This idea is brilliant and once implemented properly it will work by virtue of the fact that the country is small. Men will think twice before they destroy these children’s lives. Do you know the victims are the ones carrying this shame and guilty. We have to try something. We must try anything. Let’s protect out children people.
I agree with cold soup. They have these laws in the U.S., and they solve very little. Look at the statistics on what goes on in the U.S. and they have more law than anyone on this. Stop being caught up in the emotion of the topic. Parents need to be responsible and know who is around your children. Stop making the government the parent. Do your job!!! D’Accord.
Most times the perpetrators are in the family unit
Admin: can you post a link to the online petition?
I hope everyone signs, and print or email a copy to their parl rep asking them to make a public statement about this! that judge was completely out of her place. too many kids are abused in Dominica to allow such an irresponsible “decree” to go unchallenged.
ADMIN: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-government-of-dominica-amend-the-1998-sexual-offences-act-of-dominica
Thanks DNO!
Please everyone, share this link on your FB, Twitter, social media of choice.
Bring a copy to your parl rep or opposition candidate.
Ask everyone you know in a position of influence (school and church leader) to speak up about this ridiculous gag order. We all need to push back and stand up for our children. Enough is enough with ridiculous laws in Dominica!
So why did Madam Judge issue a gag order when the constitution gives the right for the names of those convicted to be used?
How can we protect our children if we do not know the sex offenders around us, it means it will continue to happen
We cannot continue to hide crimes, just now we will say the same for those people who murder people innocently in our communities. Give me a brake
So what she is saying that we must not know the aviols among us and among our children? Before they are convicted I can understand (though I am not not in agreement) but when they go to prison we must not know?
In order words we may be giving them the opportunity again without knowing it? We must even offer them officially privacy? What a bunch of nonsense.
I say publish their names self they to wicked. Then putvtheir names on the ex register
I totally agree. Its about time. This will bring awareness to persons to be wary and careful with these people.
That ruling makes no sense if the public is allowed to attend the proceedings, because Radio Negre will broadcast the outcome.
This is a brilliant initiative for the island. Perpetrators will somehow guard their actions since registration will serve as a disincentive. The emphasis here should always be protection of the victims especially the children. The registry will allow for assistance in solving sex crimes, the culprits may get bail so that they might further assist the investigation process.
While I disagree that the perpetrator’s name should be withheld even after a guilty verdict, I’m vehemently against a PERMANENT registry for sexual offenders, or ANY offenders for that matter. You’re one Google search away from the massive problems this causes for the community, especially adolescents who may make a mistake at 18 and are discriminated against for the rest of their lives. The stigma this would cause in our small country isn’t worth it and we should instead work towards preventing these crimes at the root level.
Social programs can be set up, fines and sentences can be substantially increased, and the law regarding the perpetrators name being withheld can be amended, so that once convicted their name is released to the public, etc but the Registry is a very slippery slope which should be avoided.
Please sit and carefully analyze the long term potential repercussions of a sexual Registry in Dominica on your own and I’m sure that you will come to the realization that the potential negative social impacts aren’t worth it.
Admin: The law already makes provision for the offender’s name to be published once he or she is convicted.This is indicated in the story.
So cold soup, again here you are showing more concern for the perpetrators than the victims. There can still be a register of sex offenders but with special provisions for adolescents who have simply made a bad choice. But to cite this as a reason why there should not be a register shows little regard for the many victims of sexual abuse.
@ Cold Soup, thank you for your post. I am one who is in agreement with the argument you presented especially your suggestions concerning social programs etc.
The reasons for support of the creation of a register for sex offenders (as presented in this news piece) is a one sided argument and it does not consider the total social impact of the implementation of this ‘permanent register.’ It seems like the activists above are painting all sex-offenders with the same brush and I think that is problematic. You’ve given an example of how ‘they are not all the same’. While I agree that there are some serial sex offenders always on the hunt for a next prey, not all are and therefore we should not treat them all the same. We really do need to give this idea of a register more consideration, especially considering the cultural context in which we live.
Are you serious??? In my view ALL sex offenders should be registered, they should report to the Police Station every week, their travel movements should be strictly monitored, every Island/Country shoul have access to their criminal record, potential employers should also have access to their criminal record. We must also ensure that ANYONE applying for a job – whether voluntary or paid with children or the elderly MUST be CRB checked (if this is not already done) These criminals should NEVER be comfortable. We have the right to know the convicted sex offenders so that we can protect our families. They should also be tagged so that their whereabouts are known to Police!! Blooming perverts !!!
So the mistake should hurt a child for the rest of the life and to publish a name of the perpetrator we want to chose when to publish the name? Give the victims the satisfactions that they were brave enough to come forward and possible safe guard the life of another child!
God Bless America! Dominicans if we not part of the solution then we are part of the problem. God Bless America! In my opinion if we are not prepared to make life difficult for those who abuse our little boys and girls, men and woman. We are sending a message to those low life its ok. What a Dam shame!
Bravo! A registry of sexual offenders is required in this day and age. These concerned individuals (you call them activists) have my full support.
We continue to read (hear) of sexual crimes against children. From month to month and year to year the number of offences increases. This only happens because the government allows it to happen.
Again and again and again the government has been asked for a sex crimes registry to no avail. The government has also been asked to review the laws regarding sex crimes against children, mandatory reporting, and penalties. Every so often a government official makes the grand announcement that \”it is being considered\” or \”action is being taken\”, and DNO heralds the news. What follows is a flurry of comments expressing appreciation to the government official, but nothing changes.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.