Myths and Facts about those who commit sexual offenses
There are many myths surrounding sex offenders, often created by highly publicized cases in the media. This has led to commonly held beliefs that are not based in fact and can actually decrease public safety.
| cure-sort_-_myths_verus_facts.pdf |
The Rule of 90
The "Rule of 90" helps clear up the myths surrounding sex offenders. Extensive research shows that approximately:
These statistics are important when considering how to best prevent sexual abuse. The fear of "stranger danger" or of convicted sex offenders living in the community causes many people to overlook the fact that the perpetrator of a sexual offense is most likely to be a family member, friend, or someone the victim knows and trusts.
[1] National Center on Institutions and Alternatives
[2] Stop It Now!
[4] Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
[7] Registering Harm: How sex offense registries fail youth and communities
The above is from the Myths and Facts page of the Minnesota Sex Offender Re-entry Project (MNSORP).
Like the information found on the MNSORP site, there is surprisingly a number of sources that work to disparage the commonly held beliefs about individuals who demonstrate inappropriate or illegal sexual behavior. These sources are not only from advocacy groups challenging these myths and assertions but government agencies who work with these individuals on a daily basis, and as shown by the references from the MNSORP page, groups and organizations that seek to prevent illegal sexual behavior from occurring.
The reading material below is a representative sample of these various sources of information.
The "Rule of 90" helps clear up the myths surrounding sex offenders. Extensive research shows that approximately:
- 90 percent of sex offenders who have completed their sentence and have re-entered society will not have another sexual offense [1]
- 90 percent of sexual abuse victims know their abuser [2] [4].
- 90 percent of convicted sex offenders are first-time offenders. [7]
These statistics are important when considering how to best prevent sexual abuse. The fear of "stranger danger" or of convicted sex offenders living in the community causes many people to overlook the fact that the perpetrator of a sexual offense is most likely to be a family member, friend, or someone the victim knows and trusts.
[1] National Center on Institutions and Alternatives
[2] Stop It Now!
[4] Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
[7] Registering Harm: How sex offense registries fail youth and communities
The above is from the Myths and Facts page of the Minnesota Sex Offender Re-entry Project (MNSORP).
Like the information found on the MNSORP site, there is surprisingly a number of sources that work to disparage the commonly held beliefs about individuals who demonstrate inappropriate or illegal sexual behavior. These sources are not only from advocacy groups challenging these myths and assertions but government agencies who work with these individuals on a daily basis, and as shown by the references from the MNSORP page, groups and organizations that seek to prevent illegal sexual behavior from occurring.
The reading material below is a representative sample of these various sources of information.
| cure-sort_-_position_on_sex_offender_registry_-_an_alternative_approach.pdf |
Sex Offenders (2010) - Common myths about sex offenders continue to influence public policy. States are working to balance tougher laws and public fears with effective policy to ensure community safety.
Jennifer Horne, Amy Vandervort-Clark, CSG Knowledge Center (2010)
Facts and Fiction about Sex Offenders (2010) - Chris Dornin, Retired N.H Statehouse reporter
The Corrections Connection Network News [CCNN], known as Corrections.com May 2010
Youth who commit sex offenses: Facts and Fiction (2008) - Justice Policy Institute
Myths and Facts - Current Research on Managing Sex Offenders (2008)
New York State Div. of Criminal Justice Services
Myths About Sex Offenders - ABC News
Sex Offender Myths in Print Media: Separating Fact from Fiction in U.S. Newspapers (2012)
Marcus A. Galeste, Henry F. Fradella, Brenda Vogel
Western Criminology Review, School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University Vol. 13, No. (2) Pgs. 4-24
Jennifer Horne, Amy Vandervort-Clark, CSG Knowledge Center (2010)
Facts and Fiction about Sex Offenders (2010) - Chris Dornin, Retired N.H Statehouse reporter
The Corrections Connection Network News [CCNN], known as Corrections.com May 2010
Youth who commit sex offenses: Facts and Fiction (2008) - Justice Policy Institute
Myths and Facts - Current Research on Managing Sex Offenders (2008)
New York State Div. of Criminal Justice Services
Myths About Sex Offenders - ABC News
Sex Offender Myths in Print Media: Separating Fact from Fiction in U.S. Newspapers (2012)
Marcus A. Galeste, Henry F. Fradella, Brenda Vogel
Western Criminology Review, School of Public Affairs, San Diego State University Vol. 13, No. (2) Pgs. 4-24
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