'My stepson is a convicted sex offender - I don't want him living in my house'
A woman who is facing a dilemma over her sex offender stepson has reached out for advice because she fears for the safety of the children in her area. The woman says she doesn't want to lose her husband over the situation, but knows that his son, who is also autistic, will want to come and live with them when he is released from prison.
She said that David*, 30, is serving a 15-year jail sentence for possession of child pornography and having "inappropriate conversations with a preteen that almost went further". She said that it was his third offence of that type and does not feel that it would be safe for all involved if he were to be allowed to stay with them.
She told the New York Post's Dear Abby column: "I am beside myself. Because of David’s autism, his family looks the other way about his crimes. They all send him money, call him, buy him things, etc. I have kids of my own, and, frankly, the whole situation makes me want to vomit.
"I hide how I feel and try to be there for my husband because he loves his son, and it pains him to see David in prison. He also has been wonderful to my kids and raised them like his own. I’m dreading what is going to happen when David is out of prison. He has nowhere to go, and I know he’s going to want to live with us. I am 1,000% against this, and I truly believe it could happen again.
She said that although her own children will soon all leave the home and go to college, that happening means that she can't use her kids as an excuse for him not staying with the couple and that there are many youngsters on the street where she lives and that she also doesn't want her home to be put on the sex offenders' register.
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She added: "I don’t want to lose my husband over this. I love him with all my heart, which is why I can’t tell him how I feel. Every time David speaks with his dad, he tells him he wishes he were home with him. Please help!"
And she was advised that she should have a proper talk with her husband about the situation long before the sex offender is released. Abby added: "When a sex offender is released from prison, there are stipulations in place. One of them is being forbidden to live close to young, vulnerable children. Because your street is populated with them, David may not be able to live with you. This is something you and your husband need to be communicating about as David’s release draws nearer, because it will have an impact on your lives."
* David's name has been changed for the purpose of this article.
If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you're calling from Scotland. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit its website to receive confidential support.
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