We demand a change for tightening sentences for sexual offences

A few days ago, an initiative was launched on the Citizens' Initiative service with the aim of tightening sentences for sexual offences.
The goal of the citizens' initiative is well justified and the direction is right, and we therefore encourage everyone to support the initiative.

The initiative states that its purpose is not to seek revenge on the perpetrator, but to improve the position of victims and the realization of justice. Harsher penalties would take better account of not only the physical harm caused to the victim, but also the psychological and social trauma. Stricter sentences would also send a clearer message at a societal level, as currently it is possible to receive a lighter sentence for sexual offences than for some financial crimes.

In addition, the initiative proposes developing legislation by introducing binding minimum sentences, which would make imposed penalties clearer and more consistent.

The grounds for the initiative point out that, for example, sentences for rape have on average been around 22 months, although nearly half of the prison sentences imposed have been suspended. Thus, even for an offence as serious as rape, it is possible to avoid serving actual prison time.

This should not be possible in a civilized society.

In a civilized society, initiating legal proceedings should also be easier and more accessible for victims than it currently is. Entering an uncertain process is burdensome, as there are no guarantees regarding the court's decision or even the length of the proceedings.

Based on the citizens' initiative, we hope for broad public discussion and legislative change. The initiative will proceed to parliamentary consideration, as it has received the required number of signatures. However, there has been a risk with citizens' initiatives that they may be buried under other matters under consideration. This must not happen with this initiative either.

We therefore hope for swift processing of the initiative, and even though it has already gathered the required number of signatures, it is important to send a strong collective message to decision-makers about its importance. So go ahead and sign it too!