Sexual abuse is one of the most tragic and heinous of all crimes. The only thing worse is not adequately punishing a confessed child rapist. Take the recent decision by Vermont Judge Edward Cashman.

According to “The O’Reilly Factor,” Cashman sentenced 37-year-old Mark Hulett to just 60 days in prison for repeatedly raping a 6-year-old girl during a four-year period. Two months is all this monster got for destroying a little girl’s life. Martha Stewart received a harsher sentence for far less.

No amount of punishment can give that little girl back what she has lost, but at least a fair and fitting punishment would have let the family, and America, know justice had been done.

However, by publicly saying he knows what a fair sentence for a child rapist is better than the law, Cashman has egotistically threatened thousands more Vermont children.

This is a perfect case of judicial activism run amok. Cashman’s actions show America is in need of a universal “Jessica’s Law.” In case you don’t know, “Jessica’s Law” was adopted in Florida after Jessica Lunsford was raped and killed by John Couey, a man repeatedly convicted of sexual crimes against children.

“Jessica’s Law” requires a minimum of 25 years in prison for a first time child molestation conviction, according to billoreilly.com. Once released, the perpetrator must wear a GPS tracking system for life. Jessica’s Law is needed in all 50 states, including Illinois.

According to the Illinois State Police Web site, DeKalb County has 66 registered sex offenders, including 18 sexual predators. The locations of two of these predators are unknown, while three are listed as non-compliant with sexual registration rules.

Currently, Illinois has many laws restricting the actions of registered sex offenders. State Representative Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley) named a few, such as laws restricting employment and where offenders can live.

Pritchard named two bills introduced into the Illinois House. House Bill 4222 is a bill involving GPS tracking systems, and House Bill 4298 requires registered sex offenders to stay at least 2000 feet from a school zone.

In addition to these laws, Pritchard voiced alarm over the system.

“I am concerned about kids’ safety, and we clearly have to do something to change the behavior of [child abusers],” Pritchard said. “Jail doesn’t help break the chain of behavior, and funding for rehabilitation programs is a problem.”

I am not so convinced the behavior can be changed. It is widely reported that sex offenders, even if treated, are often repeat offenders once released from prison.

More attention has to be placed on child safety than theoretical rehabilitation. School zone restrictions only go so far. If a child rapist really wants to do the unthinkable, a 2,000-foot zone will not stop them.

The only thing capable of adequately protecting children is the removal of dangerous people from society. “Jessica’s Law” would do just that. Otherwise there will be more Jessica Lunsfords.