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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 23, 2004

SCHUMER SECURES $130,000 FOR NATIONAL MEGAN'S LAW HELPLINE

Funding included in the FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill

Funds will be used to ensure Megan's Law Helpline continues to provide information and resources to the public

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that Congress will pass the FY2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill which included $$130,000 for the National Megan's Law Helpline. The funding was included in the Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary Appropriations portion of the bill and will be used to successfully continue the operation of the Megan's Law National Sex Offender Information Helpline . The bill now heads to the President for his signature.

"Sexual violence - particularly sexual violence against children - is a plague that must be stopped," Schumer said. "We have made great strides in registering sexual abusers under Megan's Law, but unfortunately individuals and communities have not always been able to access the information collected in a timely and effective manner. This funding will ensure that the Megan's Law Helpline will continue to provide critical information to people across New York and across the nation about predators in their communities."

The Megan's Law Helpline assists the public in accessing registered sex offender information, as is their right under Megan’s Law, and therefore helps to prevent potential cases of sexual abuse. Callers are also educated about childhood sexual abuse prevention; helping them to understand that most childhood sexual abuse happens with someone a child has an established and trusting relationship. Additionally, the hotline helps to inform callers about responsible use of information, discouraging activity considered to be harassment or possibly criminal in nature.

Megan's Law is named after a 7-year-old Hamilton Township, New Jersey girl, who on July 29, 1994, was lured into her neighbor's home with the promise of a puppy and was brutally raped and murdered by a two-time convicted sex offender. The law took effect Jan. 21, 1996.

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