Indecent liberties by a custodian refer to any sexual activity (sexual act or intercourse) done by a caretaker with a minor who is either in the home or in any other institution, it also includes the person having the custody of the minor child of any age, regarding as a felony. The law recognizes that the offence of committing indecent liberties by a custodian should be charged with a severe penalty. Those who commit sexual offenses against children must be punished with extreme penalties that are serving life sentences or life imprisonment. Committing indecent liberties with a child by a custodian means that there is a great risk, especially for this kind of sexual offence because a child depends upon his or her caretaker or custodian to meet his or her socio-economic means, which makes them more vulnerable. This act of committing indecent liberties by a custodian leaves the child with the severe psychological trauma that may result in a permanent mental damage. The minor child may never be confident or come out of the trauma of being sexually vulnerable. How he or she may adjust to the society or behave with others. A minor child being victimized, because of indecent liberties by a custodian, may require special attention and medical and emotional care. The severity of committing indecent liberties by a custodian may also depend upon the age of the child.
The Present Law Scenario of Dealing with Committing Indecent Liberties by a Custodian
A very small percentage of such crimes are reported against children and even more prosecuted in Virginia, due to lack of concrete evidence or being proved with minor details. Majority of these prosecuted child abuse cases are disposed of by plea bargains. A very few number of such cases are able to get prosecuted with meaningful prison terms. However, it is also a fact, the less harsh punishments or a custodian convicts lesser sentences regarding committing indecent liberties. These include little or even no prison time, even for every serious sex offense against children. There is a very disturbing pattern of courts dealing with committing indecent liberties by a custodian, in a very non serious manner, which undoubtedly and potentially threatens the well-being and safety of children.
The lawmakers should be able to make more informed decisions with regard to committing indecent liberties by a custodian, as the judicial performance in Virginia presents itself as a daunting challenge. No doubt that it is also a very serious obligation for the judges, lawyers and prosecutors. Dealing with the cases of indecent liberties by a custodian is itself a very disturbing case and is regarding as a complicated and confusing subject in courts as well. Many lawmakers and prosecutors fail to understand that their decision may impact the life, security and safety of the child. However, it is also a fact that very little evidence or accountability is carried out in such cases. With the lack of transparency and accountability, cases regarding indecent liberties by a custodian extends and exits its ways through criminal sentencing.