Post-penal protection of sex offenders

Priprema zatvorenika na život na slobodi počinje još za vrijeme njegova izdržavanja kazne zatvora, a pojam koji se odnosi na postupke prema osobama otpuštenima iz zatvora ili kaznionice s ciljem njihove socijalne reintegracije naziva se poslijepenalna zaštita (Penić i sur., 2017). U literaturi se navodi kako se radi o kompleksnom i zahtjevnom području kojemu se u Hrvatskoj, ali i drugim zemljama pridaje premalo političke, stručne i znanstvene pozornosti. U skladu s tim, izrazito malo pažnje se pridaje razvoju i napretku prakse poslijepenalne zaštite, a neke su skupine u posebno zabrinjavajućem položaju. Seksualno prijestupništvo odavno je prepoznato kao ozbiljan problem sa značajnim učincima na žrtve, njihove obitelji i društvo u cjelini (Yates, 2013). Stoga, cilj ovog rada jest, na temelju postojeće literature, dati uvid u funkcioniranje prakse poslijepenalne zaštite s posebnim naglaskom na počinitelje seksualnih delikata. Rad obuhvaća pregled obilježja te skupine počinitelja, njihovih potreba i problema s kojima se susreću po izlasku iz zatvora, ali i stavove javnosti o počiniteljima seksualnih delikata i primjerenim sankcijama. Rad obuhvaća primjere dobre prakse u svijetu te daje prijedloge za poboljšanje postojeće prakse u Hrvatskoj.The preparation of prisoners for life in freedom begins during their imprisonment, and the concept that relates to the procedures for individuals released from prison or a correctional facility with the aim of their social reintegration is called post-penal protection (Penić et al., 2017). The literature states that this is a complex and demanding field that receives insufficient political, professional, and scientific attention in Croatia, as well as in other countries. Consequently, very little attention is given to the development and advancement of post-penal protection practices, with some groups in a particularly concerning position. Sexual offending has long been recognized as a serious problem with significant effects on victims, their families, and society as a whole (Yates, 2013). Therefore, the aim of this paper is, based on existing literature, to provide insight into the functioning of post-penal protection practices, with a special focus on sexual offenders. The paper encompasses an overview of the characteristics of this group of offenders, their needs, and the problems they face upon release from prison, as well as public attitudes towards sexual offenders and appropriate sanctions. It also includes examples of best practices from around the world and offers suggestions for improving the existing practices in Croatia