ST ONLINE REFLECTION
TERM 2 WEEK 2
SEC 2E/NA

Reforming sex offenders
(Part B – Home Section – Page B5 – Law & Order)

Question 1
How does the treatment programme of the Singapore Prison Service help sex offenders?

Question 2
Do you think that sex offenders should be given a second chance in the society? State your reasons.

Answers:
Q1) The treatments include counselling and psychological examination, to help depressed or offenders with psychological problems, for example depression or any other forms of stress and difficulty with managing their emotions. The examination also helps proves whether the offender really had problems... Examinations reported that most offenders, had mental disablities, the most common problem, Depression and too much Stress. Treatment does help this offenders, but the speed of recovery depends on the patients will, some, with the help of medication while staying in prohibition, takes about 3 to 4 months before they return normal, others, even with 2-5 years, hasn't showed any sign of recovery. They normally serve their jail terms in prohibitation centres, then when they have recovered, they will then serve the real jail term or be released if they show good behavior and whether their offences were serious.

Q2) To me, I don't see a sense why these offenders turn to sexual abuse when they are under stress, I mean, they could just go for workouts e.g. gyms, or keep themselves occupied with other de-stress activities. If offenders find themselves starting to have these problems or thinkings, they should consult a psychologist, a doctor, or take a long leave whether it is work stress or whatever other stresses. Consulting a psychologist doesn't mean the patient is a psycho... it shows he has difficulties controlling his stress and thinking... which normal people does too, even myself... visiting a doctor... he/she may give you pills, whether it's sleeping pills or whatever de-stress pills to lessen your stress, and I dont see any problem with that. So, after all I think everyone still does make mistakes, and whenever they do, they always get a second-chance, depending on whether they are truthfully and sincerely wanting to turn over a new leaf... I would give the ONE and ONLY LAST CHANCE... and make sure they would really turn over a new leaf...