In response to the front page on Jan. 31, “Man sentenced for child abuse,” as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse between the ages of 3 and 11, I applaud all law enforcement, especially the U.S. Attorney for NH, Jane Young, and the U.S. Attorney’s office in NJ. Finally, a sexual predator received justice congruent with the harm suffered by a 12-year-old child due to Project Safe Childhood, a 2006 a federal initiative. Granted this initiative only targets sexual predators who exploit children via the internet, however the penalties, potential 30 years sentence, fine of $250,000 and lifetime supervised release begins to equal the lifetime trauma suffered by all abused children. (In this case the criminal received 20 years, $6,000 fine and only ten years of supervised release, but at least it exceeds the average state punishment.)

Why does the lifetime trauma of childhood sexual abuse warrant more severe penalties when the internet is involved than when a family member torments a child in their home? The stolen innocence, degrading of self esteem, lack of trust, shame, betrayal, inability to become a vibrant healthy adult and acquire a happy future and family remains the same. I’m advocating for rescinding all misdemeanor laws re: all childhood abuse but especially for childhood sexual abuse and making them all felonies. Abusing a child is never a minor offense. I am grateful for Project Safe Childhood. It is time for NH to penalize all childhood sexual predators with felonies.

Paula Czech Lesmerises

Concord