I believe it is absolutely appropriate. It's very hard to measure the long-term impact of abuse. One of the biggest challenges I've always had is that we can never fully document or understand how victims are unable to eventually realize their full potential to be the future lawyers, teachers, wonderful mothers, and politicians--how they never turn into something they should have become.
I will say in regard to mandatory minimum sentencing in this particular case that I think it's short and sharp. I think it sends a message. I think it also allows for judges, if they choose, to impose more severe sentences on the upper end. I think this is the frustration for most Canadians.
I am no longer a police officer. We do have great laws. We have the opportunities to sentence people appropriately. I find we don't always do that. I think the mandatory minimum is, however, something that is very important, and it also might incent others not to commit these offences.