“Sexual crimes are the second-highest, after the murder, before the High Courts of T&T.

“Between the years 2000–2019, there were a total of 1, 693 persons convicted of sexual offences in T&T, yet none of those persons was registered in a sexual offenders registry,” the Office of the Attorney General stated in a news release on Monday. 

“The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019  makes it possible, the first time in the history of T&T,  for information on sexual offenders to be shown on an online website.

“The public will be able to access the names, addresses, photographs and offences committed and the Commissioner of Police can also publicise this information for the public to be aware and better protect themselves.

“For the first time in T&T, law enforcement will now be empowered to better monitor and track offenders who must frequently report to the police station and provide every essential detail about themselves, including their fingerprints and DNA.

“Victims of sexual crimes can seek compensation from the offender if they contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection.  The law also emphasises the protection of children by widening the category of persons who must mandatorily report cases of sexual abuse, failing which an offence is committed.

“As of January 31^st 2020, perpetrators of sexual crimes will face the full brunt of novel laws aimed at deterring, punishing and shaming rapists, paedophiles and those others with a propensity to commit sexual crimes.

 “For too long the society has seen the rampant commission of sex crimes, including the most savage and brutal attacks against women, children and even the elderly, the Office of the AG said as it announced the legislation.