Protest planned against pedophilia and sexual assault

Organisers call for harsher sentences

Paedophiles and those convicted of sexual assault should face harsher sentences according to organisers of a protest outside Douglas Courthouse.

A demonstration will be held on Friday (28 Aug) at 12pm to call for mandatory prison sentences, more work on prevention, and support for survivors, including a sexual abuse rehab centre.

It comes as new laws on sexual offences are set to be discussed again by the Legislative Council and the House of Keys later this year.

Devon Watson is one of the organisers of the protest:

The Sexual Offences and Obscene Publication Bill will be considered next by the Legislative Council on 27 October.

The purpose of the bill is to modernise laws relating to sexual offences, addressing matters like protection for victims, reviewing sentences, and addressing image-based abuse.