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Hunting Bobby Oatway
| Length: | 48 min |
| Released: | 2004 |
| Ages: |
High School College Adult |
When a sexual predator is released from jail, his accusers often worry that they may now be at risk, or that he will return to their community, placing others in danger. In the situation presented in this compelling film, it is the convicted criminal who is being stalked and hounded by his former victims.
Bobby Oatway was sent to prison for ten years for having sexually molested his children and other family members. When learning of his release to a halfway house in a distant community, his former sistersin-law began a media campaign to identify him as a sexual predator. This was taken up by a local politician, who organized rallies to protest and picket the group home around the clock. The endless chanting was nerve wracking. Oatway¹s fellow residents turn against him having after learning that he is a pedophile. He feels physically threatened by them and by the protestors.
His parole officers, seeking a solution, set him up with an escort every time he goes out. This surveillance makes Oatway feel as though he is still in jail. He and the parole officers fear that he might "snap." In the end Oatway requests to be returned to prison.
The film raises the question of whose rights are to be upheld criminal, the victims, or the community?
Bobby Oatway was sent to prison for ten years for having sexually molested his children and other family members. When learning of his release to a halfway house in a distant community, his former sistersin-law began a media campaign to identify him as a sexual predator. This was taken up by a local politician, who organized rallies to protest and picket the group home around the clock. The endless chanting was nerve wracking. Oatway¹s fellow residents turn against him having after learning that he is a pedophile. He feels physically threatened by them and by the protestors.
His parole officers, seeking a solution, set him up with an escort every time he goes out. This surveillance makes Oatway feel as though he is still in jail. He and the parole officers fear that he might "snap." In the end Oatway requests to be returned to prison.
The film raises the question of whose rights are to be upheld criminal, the victims, or the community?
"Kastner's film explores the turbulent issues concerning the rights of victims vs the rights of criminals, and questions whether a pedophile can fully be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. Recommended" Nancy E. Frazier, E.H. Butler Library, SUNY at Buffalo, Educational Media Reviews on Line
