How to keep sexual offenders from repeating their crime? The Netherlands is set to follow a model used in the UK and Canada, where a buddy system for paedophiles has proven successful.

As in any country, the subject of paedophilia evokes strong reactions from people in The Netherlands. The Netherlands was shocked this week by the revelation that almost 100 children may have been sexually assaulted by a swimming instructor.

Earlier this year the Dutch public debated whether or not to allow convicted paedophiles back into family neighbourhoods upon their release from prison. In the town of Breda, in January, vigilantes destroyed the home and automobile of a convicted paedophile. The mayor of Breda then called for a buddy system to help paedophiles reintegrate into society, an idea the Ministry of Justice promptly approved.

Isolation
The buddy system has been successful in the UK and Canada. Experts say it prevents a paedophile from becoming socially isolated upon his or her release from prison, which is an important factor in repeated offences.

RNW correspondent Lia van Beekhoven reports on the buddy system’s use in London. Hear from one sex offender on how buddies have kept him on track:

photo by Theske Slijkerman on flickr.com