Why do we send cannabis dealers to prison for as long as perpetrators of Brutal sexual assaults?
In 2 court cases heard in Cork recently 1 of which involved a man caught with €700K worth (35Kg) of Cannabis and the other involving a man who brutally sexually assaulted a women walking her dog in the park. The man caught with the Cannabis got a 5 year prison sentence while the man who BRUTALLY and VIOLENTLY sexually assaulted a woman got 6 years.
Now in the first case involving the Cannabis some might say that’s a lot of Cannabis but in reality its not. In Ireland an estimated 35Kg of Cannabis is sold every 4 hours. Also when that cannabis is sold its going to be done in a mutually beneficial exchange, no1 is forced to buy cannabis and that’s the beauty of selling it, the stuff pretty much sells itself people enjoy it so much.
In the second case however there is no mutually beneficial exchange. A woman for the rest of her life has to live with the trauma of being brutally and violently sexually assaulted while walking her dog in her local park. Even the people living in that area or anyone who even read the story online will now carry a little trauma from this woman’s experience. I don’t think there would be many woman read that story and not feel uneasy the next time they take a walk alone. So this mans crime has not only made a victim of this woman but also a victim of any other person who lives in a little more fear as a result of reading of this woman’s horrifying sexual assault.
So how is it a man caught with Cannabis can be punished just as badly as a man who would sexually assault a lone woman walking her dog in the park? Below I will go through some reasons why sexual assault is far more damaging to socviety than a person selling or importing some cannabis.
Sexual assault is an egregious crime that causes immense harm to individuals and society as a whole, while selling cannabis, particularly in the context of its legalization or decriminalization, can have varying social and individual impacts. Here are some reasons why sexual assault is considered worse for society:
Violation of consent: Sexual assault involves the violation of a person's bodily autonomy and sexual consent, causing profound physical and psychological trauma. It undermines the fundamental principles of respect, autonomy, and personal boundaries, which are essential for healthy relationships and societal well-being.
Widespread impact: Sexual assault affects not only the direct victims but also their families, friends, and communities. The ripple effects of such traumatic experiences can be long-lasting and can lead to psychological disorders, social isolation, and difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships for the survivors. This creates a burden on society as a whole.
Fear and mistrust: Sexual assault creates a climate of fear and mistrust, particularly among vulnerable populations. It can lead to a breakdown of trust within communities, making it harder for individuals to feel safe and secure. This fear can have far-reaching consequences, affecting daily life, mental health, and social interactions.
Gender inequality and discrimination: Sexual assault is often rooted in gender inequality and power imbalances, with women and marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. It perpetuates a culture of discrimination, reinforcing harmful stereotypes, and inhibiting social progress toward gender equality.
Legal and ethical implications: Sexual assault is universally recognized as a crime, and legal systems have mechanisms in place to address and punish offenders. The seriousness of sexual assault is reflected in the severe legal penalties associated with it. Conversely, the selling of cannabis is a matter that is subject to evolving societal attitudes and legal frameworks, with an increasing recognition of its potential medicinal benefits and a shift away from criminalizing its use.
Long-term consequences: Sexual assault can have lifelong consequences for survivors, including chronic physical and mental health issues, difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate relationships, and decreased quality of life. The impacts can extend across generations, affecting families and communities for years to come.
While selling cannabis can have certain social and individual consequences, the harm caused by sexual assault is far more severe and wide-ranging. It is essential to address sexual assault through comprehensive prevention, support, and justice systems to protect individuals and create a safer and more equitable society. Prison spaces should not be occupied by people for drug crimes (possession, dealing, importation) and those who carry out the most heinous of crimes like sexual assault should receive far more lengthy sentences.
