Gascon Abandons Rape Victims at Parole Hearings

Gascon is far behind in the polls - for good reason

In 2002 a man broke into Gloria G.'s home. He raped her at knife point and committed several other types of horrific sexual assaults. He threatened to kill her son. He was convicted and sentenced to over 100 years to life in prison. However, because of a change in the law, the man who raped Gloria, who is now over 50 years old, qualified for an elder parole hearing. Because George Gascon has banned prosecutors from attending parole hearings, Gloria, like so many other victims, had to attend the parole hearing without a prosecutor. The experience was terrifying, but she chose to participate and use her voice to protect herself, her family and the community because the man who raped her should never be released from prison. I know this firsthand because, alongside a small group of former prosecutors, I have volunteered my time to advocate for these courageous survivors at parole hearings since Gascon took office. The consequences of George Gascon's policy affect all of us because when prosecutors don't participate, there is a 8% increase in parole grants, releasing dangerous criminals, including rapists and murderers, back into our communities. Gascon's policies are dangerous and his abandonment of victims is heartless. Victims of sexual assault should never have to face the men who raped them alone. These courageous women deserve the justice and protection that our system promised them. We all deserve a District Attorney who values victims and prioritizes public safety. Re-electing Gascon will only guarantee more injustice, more suffering, and more danger in our communities. It's time for a change-for Gloria, and for all of us.

Kathy Cady is a victims' rights attorney. Since Gascon took office, she had provided pro bono representation to over 250 crime victims, including assisting approximately 50 victims at parole hearings, including sexual assault victims and murder victims' families. The crimes occurred throughout LA County, including Santa Monica.