Many sex offenders only get 5 years on the register. The register is there to ensure offenders follow certain rules to prevent it from happening again. They must notify the police of change of address, name, and all foreign travel, and in some cases if they are living or staying with a person aged under 18, for 12 hours/more.

Ensuring all sex offenders are registered for life should help prevent reoffending and ensure more people do not become victims.