By Fikir Belete

As we reflect on the tragic story of Heaven Awot, a young girl whose life was brutally taken by someone she and her family trusted, we are reminded of the critical need for stronger protections for our children and women. Despite the outcry that followed her death, justice has yet to be fully served, even though the law allows for the death penalty in cases as severe as this. Heaven’s killer still awaits final sentencing, and her story has become a powerful symbol of the need for systemic change.

Heaven Awot’s mother, Abekyelesh Adeba, has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight for justice for her daughter. With tears in her eyes, she has come before the public, pleading for the justice that has been so elusive. Her heart-wrenching pleas have brought much-needed awareness to the tragedy that befell her family and the broader issue of violence against women and children. Despite facing immense personal grief and the challenges of navigating a justice system that has often been slow to respond, Abekyelesh has shown remarkable courage and resilience.

Her determination has been matched by the efforts of heroic women within the police force and the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, who have worked tirelessly to support her cause. These women have not only provided crucial assistance in the investigation but have also been instrumental in raising public awareness about the importance of protecting children and women from predators. Their dedication serves as a beacon of hope in a system that often seems indifferent to the suffering of victims like Heaven.

However, the fight for justice and the implementation of protective measures faces significant cultural challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of awareness about what terms like “pedophile” and “predator” actually mean. In many communities, these terms are not commonly understood or even recognized. Pedophiles are individuals who have a persistent sexual attraction to children, while predators actively seek out opportunities to exploit and harm vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. The concept of these threats is not well-known in many parts of the country, which makes it even more challenging to protect against them. This lack of understanding can lead to dangerous situations where offenders go unnoticed or unreported because people do not recognize the signs or the threat.

In many communities, there is a deeply ingrained reluctance to speak out against sexual violence, particularly when it involves a man of standing in the community. The first thing the community says when a man rapes someone is, “shhh, it will tarnish his reputation.” To that, we must say, SO BE IT! In fact, let it be the one thing he is known for: being a sex offender. It is time to shift the focus from protecting the perpetrator’s reputation to protecting the victims and ensuring justice is served.

One of the most effective tools used in many Western countries to prevent such tragedies is the sex offender registry. In the United States, the sex offender registry serves a vital purpose: it tracks individuals convicted of sexual crimes and makes their information available to the public. This includes their name, address, employment details, and the nature of their offense. The purpose of this registry is not just punitive; it is primarily preventative. It aims to protect communities by providing them with the information they need to keep children and women safe from predators. Additionally, the registry brings crucial awareness to the existence of pedophiles and other predators, helping to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.

The U.S. registry, which can be accessed through the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), is designed to ensure that offenders cannot disappear into anonymity. They are required by law to update their information regularly, and failure to do so can result in further legal action. This system ensures that communities are always informed about potential risks in their area, and it helps law enforcement monitor offenders who might pose a threat.

Adopting a similar system here could be a significant step forward in preventing future tragedies like Heaven’s. While cultural and legal adaptations would be necessary, the fundamental goal remains the same: to protect our children and women from harm and to ensure that justice is served. The introduction of a sex offender registry would provide the oversight needed to monitor those convicted of sexual crimes, ensuring they are not allowed to re-offend and that communities are aware of any potential dangers.

However, it is crucial to understand that a sex offender registry is not a substitute for justice. If an offender has not been brought to justice, their presence on a registry is meaningless—they remain a free individual, capable of committing more crimes, with no one the wiser. The foundation of any effective registry is a justice system that is fair and just, ensuring that all offenders are held accountable and that no one is left to roam free without consequence.

Heaven Awot’s story is a painful reminder that we must do more. While we wait for justice in her case, we must also look ahead to prevent further loss. By learning from the experiences of other countries and adapting these tools to our own needs, we can take meaningful steps to protect our most vulnerable citizens. A sex offender registry is not just a legal tool; it is a promise to our children and women that their safety is our priority.