Stiffer penalties

THE ISSUE

Some local officials have begun an effort to increase the penalty for child abuse in Alabama.

The number of cases being reported of domestic violence and child abuse is increasing.

Alabama had more than 30,000 cases involving more than 45,000 children in 2005, according to Heath Haddock, of Safeplace Inc., which is a victims' service facility serving northwest Alabama. Domestic violence and child abuse go hand-in-hand, he said.

Some area officials think the criminal penalty for child abuse needs to be increased. Child abuse is a Class C felony, which is punishable by one to 10 years in prison.

"That's the same sentence someone gets for forging a signature on a $5 check or if someone is arrested for marijuana," Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said.

Changing the law to make child abuse a Class B felony would increase the punishment to two to 20 years in prison.

Ray and Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing are among those supporting a stiffer penalty. Rushing said he has talked with state Sen. Roger Bedford, of Russellville, about strengthening the law.

"It is pivotal to put more teeth in the law," said Tony Logan, criminal justice instructor at the University of North Alabama. He said the legislature needs a full review of laws relating to child abuse.

Most child abuse occurs to children younger than middle school age. By middle school, most children have been exposed to educational programs and know what is happening to them is wrong, Logan said.

We agree that the Alabama Legislature should take a look at the law with an eye toward increasing the penalties. We don't know whether stiffer penalties will reduce the number of cases reported, but it might act as a greater deterrent.