Sex Off enders Taken Off The Street for Halloween

While trick-or-treaters were knocking on doors this Halloween, local sex offenders were once again attending an anti-sexual abuse victim impact program designed to keep sex offenders off the streets. The annual program is run by the Westchester County Probation Department.

More than 150 registered and non-registered sex offenders on probation in Westchester County were required to attend the educational program at the County Courthouse on Oct. 31.

The offenders heard vivid accounts of the kinds of devastation perpetrated on children and adult victims and, hopefully, gained insight on how those acts can reverberate through a victim's life. An adult female survivor of sexual abuse shared her experience and insight on the impact of abuse, as well as her story of recovery. Also, Mark Cardona of Victim's Assistance Services/ WESTCOP shared his experiences in working with victims of abuse and the impact of sexual assault and trauma.

While the program was taking place, numerous probation officers were in the community tracking down offenders who failed to report to the event.

Victims Assistance Services is a non-profit agency with a history of providing services and support for victims in Westchester.