Failure to Register as a Predictor of Sex Offense Recidivism

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen M. Zgoba ◽  
Jill Levenson
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Megan's Law ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Female Victims ◽  
Registered Sex Offenders ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Sex Offense

This quasi-experimental study analyzed the recidivism outcomes of 1,125 sexual offenders in two groups. The first group comprised 644 registered sex offenders who were convicted of a sex crime and at some point failed to register after release from prison. The comparison group contained 481 registered sex offenders released from prison during a similar time frame who did not fail to register after their release. The groups were then tracked for both sexual and nonsexual offenses to determine whether failure to register under Megan’s Law is predictive of reoffending. Failure to register was not a significant predictor of sexual recidivism, casting doubt on the belief that sex offenders who are noncompliant with registration are especially sexually dangerous. Few differences between groups were detected, but FTR offenders were more likely to have sexually assaulted a stranger and to have adult female victims, further challenging the stereotype of the child predator who absconds to evade detection. Potential policy implications are discussed.

Sex offender registration and notification laws: thoughts from registered sex offenders in three states

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendra Bowen ◽  
Erika Frenzel ◽  
Jason D. Spraitz
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Sex Offender Registration ◽  
Collateral Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Registered Sex Offenders ◽  
Self Worth

Purpose – In the USA, sex offender policy research has focussed on demographic characteristics of registrants, recidivism rates of registrants, accuracy and completeness of listed information, and the collateral consequences experienced by registrants. This growing body of research demonstrates the need to explore offender perceptions of sex offender registration and notification (SORN) laws. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether registration related variables influenced sex offenders’ opinions about the registry, compliance with the registry, self-worth, and deterrence perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilized a sample of 286 male registered sex offenders (RSO) in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Four multivariate regression models were run to examine registration related variables impact on sex offender opinions of the registry, registry compliance, feelings of self-worth, and perceptions of deterrence. Findings – The multivariate regression results suggest registration related variables have a significant impact on RSO opinion of the registry, compliance with the registry, and opinions of self. Specifically, the number of collateral consequences that one experienced, police contacts that RSOs had, and being recognized as a sex offender were significantly related to the dependent variables in the regression models. Originality/value – This study adds to the body of research that indicates sex offenders experience a myriad of consequences that are outside the scope of the registered sex offender laws. Policy implications and societal consequences of these findings are discussed, as well as a future research agenda.

Sex Offenses Against Minors in China: An Empirical Comparison

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 1099-1124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Hu ◽  
Bin Liang ◽  
Siwen Huang
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Criminal Law ◽  
Public Attitude ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Empirical Comparison ◽  
Sex Offenses ◽  
Empirical Inquiry ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Sex Offense

In recent years, due to a number of notorious sex offense cases against minors, a new punitive public attitude emerged in China and pressed for harsher crackdown and punishment against sex offenders. In particular, an “engagement in prostitution with a minor” law (Article 360 of the Criminal Law) was targeted as “unjust” based on the belief that offenders of such crimes often received “lenient” punishment, and many called for its abolition. In this study, based on 440 adjudicated sex offense cases, we examine potential differences across three sex offenses (including rape, child molestation, and engagement in prostitution with a minor) in the demographics of defendants and victims, offending characteristics, and trials and sentences of convicted offenders. Our empirical inquiry pointed to the unique nature of engagement in prostitution with a minor. Offenders of such crimes seemingly carried a different profile, compared with offenders of the other two sex crimes. Moreover, our data casted some doubt on the “lenient” punishment received by offenders of engagement in prostitution with a minor. Policy implications were also drawn based on our findings.

Victim–offender overlap among sex offenders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley G. Jennings ◽  
Caitlyn Meade
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Sexually Abused ◽  
Essay Review ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex Offending ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks

The criminological and psychological literature has generally focused solely on either victims or offenders, as has research on sex offending. Recently, however, researchers have investigated the overlap among victims and offenders. Evidence has demonstrated that individuals who have experienced these two outcomes (e.g., victimization and offending) are not always mutually exclusive. Recognizing the linkages between sex offending and sexual victimization, the authors of this essay review the theoretical frameworks and empirical research exploring the sexually abused/sexual abuser hypothesis or the victim–offender overlap among sexual offenders and sexual victims. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Sex Offender Residence Restrictions and Homelessness: A Critical Look at South Carolina

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1119-1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deanna Cann ◽  
Deena A. Isom Scott
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
Residence Restrictions ◽  
Registered Sex Offenders

Sex offender residence restrictions (SORRs) have been widely implemented across the United States since the 1990s. A common concern regarding the implementation of SORRs is the decrease in viable housing options for registered sex offenders, which could potentially lead to homelessness. The vast application of SORRs across the United States, in addition to the known association between homelessness and crime, necessitates a deeper understanding of how SORRs impact rates of homelessness among this population. Utilizing data from South Carolina’s Sex Offender Registry, this study describes patterns of homelessness among this population. Specifically, using an interrupted time series analysis, we examine whether the state’s implementation of its SORR has an effect on the proportion of registered sex offenders reported as homeless. Our findings reveal a strong association between the implementation of residence restriction policies and rates of homelessness for registered sex offenders in South Carolina. Policy implications are discussed.

ATTITUDES AND PERSONALITY TRAITS OF FEMALE ADULT VICTIMS OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE: A COMPARISON OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND INCARCERATED WOMEN

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Valliant ◽  
Lesa L. Maksymchuk ◽  
Daniel Antonowicz
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
University Students ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Childhood Abuse ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Female Victims ◽  
Suicide Probability Scale ◽  
Trait And State Anxiety ◽  
Undergraduate Female ◽  
Receive Treatment

A survey of 39 University undergraduate female students and 13 incarcerated female victims was undertaken to investigate the personality traits of victims of sexual abuse. The University population was comprised of 24 non-victims and 15 victims. A comparison of the three groups was completed with a battery of psychometric tests examining personality style, and a survey of their attitudes toward sexual offenders. Significant differences emerged on trait and state anxiety; on clinical scales of the MMPI, and the hostility scale of the Suicide Probability Scale. There was unanimous agreement among all three groups surveyed (100%) that sex offenders should receive treatment. Moreover, there was also a consensus amongst university students (100%) that sex offenders should be incarcerated for two years or more, whereas only 53.8% of incarcerated victims considered a sentence of two or more years appropriate.

Examining the Continuity of Juvenile Sex Offending Into Adulthood and Subsequent Patterns of Sex and General Recidivism

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maude Beaudry-Cyr ◽  
Wesley G. Jennings ◽  
Kristen M. Zgoba ◽  
Richard Tewksbury
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Deviant Behavior ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex Offending ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Using Data ◽  
General Recidivism

Current sex offending legislation and public opinion present an image of sexual offenders as specialized predators who are likely to exhibit continued sexually deviant behavior over the life-course. Although sex offending continuity and post-release recidivism has been independently assessed in prior research, the potential link between sex offending continuity and post-release recidivism has yet to be investigated. Using data collected at two different time points from a sample of sex offenders who served a prison sentence for an adult sex offense, the present study examines the prevalence of sex offending continuity, and its potential linkages with subsequent sex and general recidivism as well as identifying risk factors related to these outcomes. The multivariate results indicate a low rate of sex offending continuity in general but suggest the presence of identifiable risk factors that predict sex offending continuity. Specifically, non-sexual juvenile offending is the most notable of the numerous risk factors found to be associated with those displaying sex offending continuity from adolescence into adulthood. Subsequent analyses also reveal a significant association between sex offending continuity and sexual recidivism but not general recidivism. Policy implications, study limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.

The Cycle of Violence: Examining the Impact of Maltreatment Early in Life on Adult Offending

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 466-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Reckdenwald ◽  
Christina Mancini ◽  
Eric Beauregard
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Cycle Of Violence ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Sex Offending ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Type Of Abuse ◽  
The Impact

Over the last two decades, considerable scholarly attention has been directed toward explaining the “cycle of violence”—a phenomenon whereby victimization and offending appear inexorably linked to one another. Extant work has greatly contributed to our understanding of this cycle for different types of abuse and different types of offending, such as sex offending. The link between sexual abuse and later offending cannot be overstated, with research suggesting the impact of sexual abuse on sex offending to be more pronounced than any other type of abuse. However, in the literature, questions remain regarding sex offenders’ patterns of offending. Specifically, it remains unclear whether type of abuse experienced has a differential impact on type of offending in adulthood. Using retrospective data from sexual offenders in a Canadian penitentiary, we address this research gap by examining the impact of abuse experienced during childhood and adolescence on various types of offending in adulthood. Results indicate partial support for the cycle of violence hypothesis—the extent of criminal involvement can be explained as being a consequence of prior maltreatment; however, findings also suggest refinements to the theory, because the influence of type of abuse varies depending on the type of offending examined. Research and policy implications are discussed.

Living Arrangements for Sex Offenders in Ohio: Effects of Economics, Law, and Government Assistance Programs

2018 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 544-559
Author(s):  
Shawn M. Rolfe ◽  
Richard Tewksbury ◽  
Karen F. Lahm
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Family Members ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Megan's Law ◽  
Government Assistance ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Housing Needs

Throughout the United States, Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) laws have created housing issues for registered sex offenders (RSOs). As a result of SORN, many RSOs may need to rely on family members for their housing needs. This study, drawing on data from 188 adult male RSOs in Ohio, focused on two separate SORN laws (i.e., Megan’s Law and the Adam Walsh Act). The findings suggest that neither law influences RSOs’ living with family members. However, the results did conclude that an RSO’s income, receipt of government assistance, or being on probation/parole predicted the odds of living with family members. Policy implications of such findings are discussed.

Offense Trajectories, the Unfolding of Sexual and Non-Sexual Criminal Activity, and Sex Offense Characteristics of Adolescent Sex Offenders

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 791-812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse Cale ◽  
Stephen Smallbone ◽  
Sue Rayment-McHugh ◽  
Chris Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Sexual Offense ◽  
Adolescent Sexual Offenders ◽  
Sexual Offenses ◽  
Offending Trajectories ◽  
Longitudinal View ◽  
Offending Patterns ◽  
Sex Offense

The current study examines offending trajectories of adolescent sexual offenders (ASOs). Until recently, classification frameworks have not been designed to account for the heterogeneity of offending patterns in adolescence, how these are associated with the unfolding of sexual and non-sexual criminal activity, and whether and to what extent they are related to the characteristics of sex offenses in adolescence. The current study takes a longitudinal view of offending in adolescence by examining retrospective longitudinal data of 217 ASOs referred for treatment to a clinical service between 2001 and 2009 in Australia. General offending trajectories in adolescence were examined using semi-parametric group-based modeling, and compared according to non-violent non-sexual, violent-non-sexual, and sex offending criminal activity parameters (e.g., participation, onset, frequency, specialization/versatility) and the characteristics of the referral sexual offense. The results show distinct differences in the unfolding of sexual and non-sexual criminal activity along different offending trajectories of ASOs, and further, that these trajectories were differentially associated with the characteristics of the sexual offenses they committed.

Perceptions of Sex Offenders’ Partners: Associated with Perceptions of Offenders and Influenced by Attachment

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Martens ◽  
Jessica L. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Attachment Theory ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Attachment Avoidance ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Highly Correlated

Abstract Little research exists on how partners of sex offenders are perceived. Using attachment theory, we hypothesised that one's attachment would generalise to perceptions of sexual offenders and their partners. One hundred and six British adults’ attachment styles were assessed, as well as perceptions of sex offenders and their partners. Generally, perceivers’ attachment avoidance was associated with positive perceptions of both partners and offenders, while attachment anxiety was associated with negative perceptions of partners but positive perceptions of sex offenders. Perceptions of sex offenders and their partners were highly correlated and negative in nature, and sex offenders were more negatively perceived.

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