Busting myths about sex offenders

7-27-2012 Vermont:

Mary Murdock's article "Pity isn't in the plan" suggests making amends and/or establishing a fund to help victims of sexual crimes, which is noteworthy. However, she goes on to say that "sex offenders do not need a support group, feeling sorry for themselves, while relating and enjoying memories of their crimes."

Mary, Mary, quite contrary! You have inspired me to research this subject and I would like to share some little known facts about sex offense recidivism rates. Most of this comes directly from http://www.leg.state.vt.us/workGroups/sexoffenders/AWA_SORNsummary.pdf

Sex crime policies are often justified by assumptions that all sex offenders re-offend, that treatment does not work and that strangers who lurk in playgrounds pose an unparalleled threat to children. These erroneous beliefs are widely propagated by the media, creating strongly held but largely inaccurate public perceptions. These beliefs, in turn, prompt the expansion of sex crime policies which often lack empirical support and can impede community re-entry and adjustment with adverse consequences such as unemployment, relationship loss, threats, harassment, physical assault and property damage as well as psychological symptoms such as shame, embarrassment, depression or hopelessness as a result of public disclosure. Stable employment and supportive relationships lead to lower recidivism rates for sex offenders (Colorado Department of Public Safety).

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Justice, 87 percent of new sex crimes were committed by other types of criminals compared to 13 percent of previously identified sex offenders. Contrary to some strongly held beliefs, most sexual offenders do not re-offend sexually over time. After 15 years, 76 percent of sexual offenders had not been charged with, or convicted of, another sexual offense. Most child sexual abuse victims are molested by family members (34 percent) and close acquaintances (59 percent) (DOJ Bureau of Statistics). Forty percent take place in a victim's own home and 20 percent take place in the home of a friend or relative.

The myth of "stranger danger" persists, however a Wisconsin study revealed that of 200 cases recidivistic sex offenses, none involved predatory sex crimes against strangers. Such cases are actually extremely rare; it is estimated that about 100 such cases occur in the United States each year (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). By comparison, more than 500 children under age 15 were killed by drunk drivers (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and more than 1,100 children died as a result of physical abuse or neglect at the hands of their own parents or caretakers (Child Welfare League of America).

Sex offenders recidivism rates are much lower than commonly believed. Public safety can be enhanced when states adopt empirically derived risk assessment schemes to validly and reliably identify high risk individuals. By reserving public disclosure for those who pose the greatest threat, resources can be more efficiently allocated, citizens can be appropriately warned and reintegration obstacles can be minimized. The stigma of sex offender is known to impede successful community re-entry, ironically exacerbating the factors (e.g. housing stability, unemployment) known to correlate with increased criminal recidivism.

There is ample evidence to suggest that many sex offenders benefit from therapeutic interventions which focus on helping them to change their thinking patterns and manage their impulses. Studies have found that rates of sexual re-offending drop by about 40 percent after participation in contemporary cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Agreed, there is no cure for pedophilias, and about 40 percent of registered sex offenders can be diagnosed with this illness. These types fall in the high risk category and should be dealt with accordingly. But I also believe that low risk, non re-offending individuals should be taken off the registry after a certain time has lapsed.

As for second chances, I quote Bible Verse 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ..Source.. by JoAnn Lokken is a Coeur d'Alene resident.