In 31 states, rapists are able to gain the same custody - and visitation rights - as other fathers.
This causes victims (who have chosen to keep their baby) to relive their trauma when the rapist tries to get custody/visitation rights of the child. There is also another issue: sometimes the victim will be forced to not pursue a criminal trial because the rapist will threaten to get visitation/custody rights (thus be tethered to her for 18 years) if she tries to put him in jail.
Rapists should NOT be able to fight for custody/visitation of children who are born as a result of the rape. It is disgusting and needs to be changed.
Obama administration, please consider fixing this. This should not be happening.
Thank you,
Samantha