It'll prepare a formal request to federal and provincial governments, after hearing from residents who've survived abuse
Yet another step forward for some Niagara residents trying to make the provincial and federal sex offender registries public.
After hearing them speak this week, Welland's general committee approved writing a formal request, which needs approval from council.
Resident Lizz Emerson told them what she faces everyday from her abuser. "Today he's free, his identity protected. If he moved next door to anyone one of you, you wouldn't know, and I wouldn't be able to tell you. That is the reality of our current system, it protects the offender more than it protects the children."
Councillor John Chiocchio added he's never seen in his lifetime the community rally around an issue like this, after a 3-year old girl was attacked in her bed by a repeat offender.
Councillor Jamie Lee agreed, but also pointed to vigilantism. "Your stories are the tip of the iceberg compared to what we see. But, me as a father, if I have access to a registry and a sex offender is in my neighbourhood, doesn't mean I won't take things into my own hands... that's all I'm saying."
Residents said their abusers have served their jail sentences, so they live in constant fear.
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