Focus on Violent Sexual Offenders and Predators - Real Solutions to Protect the Public and Children are Available
The most prudent policy to protect the public from sexual assaults and abuse would focus on violent and habitual offfenders and sexual predators. Real solutions are available to help keep the public and children safe.
(PRWEB) June 21, 2005 -- Children and the public deserve protection from
victimization and abuse. This is common sense.
The reality is that MOST
sex offenses are committed by a person who is NOT a registered sex
offender.
The US Department of Justice states in a 2003 report entitled,
"Recidivism of Sex Offenders Released in 1994" states that the recidivism rate
of sex offenders was 3.5%. This is a far cry from the ever-popular statistic of
80%!
In fact, sex offenders have a lower reoffense rate of almost any
other type of crime, according to the US Justice Department.
"The most
prudent public policy for managing sex offenders would balance public safety,
the rights of victims, rehabilitation of the offender when they are amenable,
the rights of the offender's family (most often the victim is a family member),
and fiscal responsibility" says Carolyn, Executive Director of SOhopeful
International.
"Further, scientifically sound standards need to be
created for use in risk assessment. Those who are amenable to treatment and have
a low risk of reoffense do not require such close monitoring as those with all
the red flags of a high-risk, multiple or violent offender."
Carolyn
adds, "It only makes sense to focus on the ones who have the perpensity to
reoffend rather than the low-risk, one-time, non-violent offenders. States are
strapped for cash - funding should be allocated for proven methods of treatment
- which do work - and reintegration programs. After all, those who are the most
dangerous in the broad spectrum of 'sex offenders' are ostensibly being referred
to commitment centers for intensive treatment, so they are not circulating out
in the public. The current trend of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) ordinances is
only pushing a group who already has an excruciatingly difficult time finding
adequate housing and gainful employment from city to city, district to district.
This ban deeply affects their families, which most often include the victim. So,
it just becomes your neighbor's problem, but the problem still
exists."
When asked what the possible solution would be, Carolyn
responded, "Firstly, focus on the higher risk offenders. The low-level offenders
typically do not go on to reoffend -that's clearly established in empirical fact
- so they don't need to take up the valuable resources of our law enforcement.
Secondly, more funding should be allocated to rehabilitation, family
reintegration and reentry programs for these lowest tiers. Thirdly, the
treatment options available both by the private sector and in civil commitment
would go far in the treatment of those with the higest risk - they are kept off
the streets and law enforcement is better able to monitor those offenders who
are transitioning back into our communities until they are off parole or
probation. Fourthly, education and prevention are paramount: it is a fact that
most who offend sexually begin having deviant thoughts in adolescence. If we can
intervene BEFORE a paraphilia is developed and an offense occurs, so much the
better. It will benefit us all."
For information on recidivism,
registration, management, housing and other issues about sex offenders, as well
as tips on protecting children, please visit www.sohopeful.org.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb252420.htm