Sex offender registry?

Question

I was recently forwarded the website for Family Watchdog, the national sex offender registry. I looked up my address, and was confused by the different titles for the sex offenders. I was wondering what the difference, if any, is between "Rape of a child" and "Child Molestation" convictions. Also, would there be a label for statutory rapes?

I did find the state patrol database more useful, as it told what level offender each is, and how likely to reoffend each person is. I am interested though, to know which cases are statutory rape, and which aren't. That is the reason for my question about the two. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Rape of a child would imply intercourse, child molesting can be anything from fondling on up. And Yes, statutory rape could be classified as a Lewd Act. Most states heve their own sex ofender sites, watch out for ones that make you pay to see them, these are not the official ones, and are just moneymaking scams.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure that statutory rape is listed as Rape of a child, and Child Molestation is basically rape without intercourse... I think one of the big debates going on is that if a 17 y/o boy has sex with a 15 y/o girl, he can be convicted of a felony and will have to register as a child rapist.

Answer 3

I would imagine that rape requires penetration, while molestation could be touching, or asking a child to touch certain body parts. I Imagine statutory rape would not be in its own category, as "statutory" just means the victim was not of legal age to consent.

Answer 4

Rape of a child is forced sex with a child. Molestation could be any type of inappropriate touching. Our state registry does specify statuatory rape convictions on those convicted.

Answer 5

that should tell you something about how effective this sort of system is. if you can't determine if all these people it's showing you around your house are actually dangerous, it's just hurting your mental health.