Eight Things Everyone Should Know About Sexual Abuse and Sexual Offending

June 2014:

Eight Things Everyone Should Know About Sexual Abuse and Sexual Offending by ATSA

Examining Specialization Among Sex Offenders Released From Prison

Colorado 2014:

Abstract:

A prevailing cultural stereotype about sex offenders is that they tend to specialize in sexual offending. Many recent policy developments—mainly aimed to restrict the liberties of sex offenders—are rooted in this idea.

i.e., Once a sex offender always a sex offender

We examined the correctional and arrest records of a sample of 312 sex offenders released on parole in Colorado to determine the prevalence of sexual specialization among these offenders, and to compare the legal and social characteristics of specialists and versatile sex offenders.

Overall we found that very few participants officially classified as sex offenders fit the specialist stereotype. Study participants generally displayed versatile histories of criminal offending.

We also found that specialists were distinguishable from versatile offenders on certain indices of social integration and mental health, and they were more likely to have had a history of offending against children. ..Source.. by Jeffrey Lin, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA --AND-- Walter Simon, Progressive Therapy Systems, Denver, CO, USA

8 Things Everyone Should Know About Sexual Abuse & Sexual Offenders

June 2014:

Sexual abuse is a pervasive yet preventable worldwide problem that impacts everyone - individuals, communities, institutions, and society as a whole.

Education is essential in the prevention of sexual abuse, but educational efforts are often impaired by the numerous myths and misconceptions that abound about sexual abuse and those who perpetrate sexual abuse.

The questions and answers below are designed to provide up to date information about sexual abuse and those who perpetrate sexually abusive behaviors.

1. What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is a broad term ...continued...

...

The Utility of the Diagnosis of Pedophilia: A Comparison of Various Classification Procedures

2007:

Abstract:
This study examined the utility of the diagnosis of pedophilia in a sample of extra-familial child molesters assessed at a university teaching hospital between 1982 and 1992. Pedophilia was defined in one of four ways: (1) DSM diagnosis made by a psychiatrist; (2) deviant phallometric profile; (3) DSM diagnosis and a deviant phallometric profile; and, (4) high scores based on the Screening Scale for Pedophilic Interest (Seto & Lalumi`ere, 2001). Demographic data, psychological tests, and offence history were obtained and group differences were analyzed along with the ability of certain variables to contribute uniquely to the classification of pedophilia. Results indicated that few significant differences existed on psychological measures between pedophilic and nonpedophilic extra-familial child molesters regardless of the classification system employed. Finally, results indicated that the procedures used to define pedophilia were not significantly related to one another. Results are discussed in terms of the utility of the diagnosis of pedophilia. ..Source.. by Drew A. Kingston · Philip Firestone · Heather M. Moulden · John M. Bradford

(Have copy on Disk)

Social Policies Designed to Prevent Sexual Violence: The Emperor's New Clothes?

June 2007:

Abstract:
Sex crimes provoke fear and anger among citizens, leading to the development of social policies designed to prevent sexual violence. The most common policies passed in recent years have included sex offender registration, community notification (Megan's Law), residence restrictions, civil commitment, and electronic monitoring. This article reviews the history of current sexual offender policies, their development, and their implementation. These policies do not appear to be evidence based in their development and implementation because they are founded largely on myths rather than on facts. Little empirical investigation has been conducted to evaluate sex offender policies, but extant research does not suggest that these policies achieve their goals of preventing sex crimes, protecting children, or increasing public safety. The authors make recommendations for more effective legislative solutions, including enlisting media in the promulgation of evidence-based information, creating policies that use risk assessment strategies to identify high risk offenders, and facilitating a more efficient distribution of resources that reserves the most intensive restrictions and interventions for the most dangerous offenders. ..more.. Jill S. Levenson, Lynn University -and- David A. D'Amora, Center for the Treatment of Problem Sexual Behavior

Levenson, J.S, & D’Amora, D. (2007). Social policies designed to prevent sexual violence: The Emperor’s new clothes. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 18(2), 168-199.

Public Perceptions About Sex Offenders and Community Protection Policies

2007

Abstract:
Sex offenders and sex crimes provoke a great deal of anxiety in our society, and over the past decade, lawmakers have passed a variety of social policies designed to protect the public from sexual victimization. The purpose of this study was to examine public perceptions about sex offenders and community protection policies. Data were obtained from a sample of 193 residents in Melbourne, Florida. It was hypothesized that the public holds some inaccurate beliefs about sex offenders, and that there is strong public support for community protection policies. It was found that community members believe that sex offenders have very high recidivism rates, view sex offenders as a homogeneous group with regard to risk, and are skeptical about the benefits of sex offender treatment. The hypothesis that public perceptions contradict empirical research was supported. Community members were overwhelmingly in favor of public disclosure of information about registered sex offenders, although they did not express as much support for residence restrictions. Implications for public policy, and for the media’s role in shaping public perceptions, are discussed. ..more..

Levenson, J.S., Brannon, Y., Fortney, T., & Baker, J. (2007). Public perceptions about sex offenders and community protection policies. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 7(1), 1-25.