On these boards I have seen many requests for registered sex offenders in locales parents have just moved to. The problem with this thinking (and one that has been perpetutated by politicians and the media employing scare tactics) is that your child's greatest risk is from offenders who haven't been identified. The US Department of Justice shows that of all the 15,000 or so cases of child sexual abuse annually, only four percent are committed by people listed on the registry; the other 96 percent are "newbies" to the sex offender status. Another statistic is that the number of stranger snatching child numbers about 50 a year, compared to the above mentioned 15,000. A third statistic is that sex offenders, contrary to reported media statistics, have a recidivism rate of as low as 3.5 to a high of 20 percent. Not anywhere the 80 to 90 percent recidivism rate spouted by laymen often.
Parents, any comments?
2006-12-23 13:07:46 · 6 answers · asked by Shelley 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I can't get the image of the parent diligently looking for sex offender risks to their children while the favorite uncle, coach, teacher, babysitter, day care teacher, family friend or someone the child or family already knows is molesting the child and the parent doesn't have a clue.
2006-12-23 13:09:19 · update #1
To respond to questions: Source is US Department of Justice, as stated in the question.
I am not suggesting to not use the Megan's List as a possible source. But don't think that the only people parents need to worry about are those on the list. I am also suggesting to not verbally or physically harass those who are.
To the denigrating responder - I am an English teacher who know someone listed on Megan's List and who cares about fairness to alMF
2006-12-23 15:43:40 · update #2
are you proposing we not use the sex offender registry? that's what it sounds like you are saying.
2006-12-23 13:32:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a lawyer, don't even like 'em :), but I am a mother of four young children, and you asked for a parents comments. Personally, I don't even watch the news anymore, it's just too scary anymore. I have friends that watch the "predator" lists as faithfully as a devout Catholic attends mass. I just can't do it. I suspect everyone, and I mean everyone, and I just try my best to protect my children, teach them what I know, and put faith in a higher power that they will remain whole and innocent. As far as the greatest risk, I feel like everyday is a walk through a minefield, so to speak. Besides child predators, there are a hundred different reasons why I shouldn't let my kids step foot outside my home, and a hundred more why they shouldn't stay home. It's hard to be suspicious of everyone all the time, and still teach our children to play well with others.
2006-12-23 21:32:32 · answer #2 · answered by Fed Up 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The people on sex offender registries (at least on the one in my state) are people that have committed sexual offenses over and over and over again. For example, a guy would be convicted with a sex offense against a kid, and then go to jail for a few months. He'd get out, and then go mess with another kid and go to jail again for a couple of years or get some other really light, ridiculous sentence. He would get out, and do it again......many sex offenders engage in a repetitive pattern of behavior (research shows this). It is important to have strong laws against them, stronger prison sentences, and better ways to track them. The laws are currently getting better in my state. If someone is convicted of molesting a child under 12, they now get 25 yrs min instead of a couple of years or community service. They also go on life parole. Hopefully, other sex crimes, esp. against children, will become stronger over time.
2006-12-23 22:56:25 · answer #3 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a parent, I can tell you that too many people depend on those "lists"! I can also tell you I want to know if there is a offender in my neighborhood or on my street! My children would not be playing in front of a home that a pervert lives in, believe me.
2006-12-23 21:21:14 · answer #4 · answered by KRH 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
BLa Bla Bla bullsh#t Bullsh#t. Whats the matter they ran you out of the house that overlooks the preschool play yard? I want to know where the perverts are so we can run them out all the way to your neighborhood. Let them live next to you.
2006-12-23 21:51:16 · answer #5 · answered by RUDOLPH M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where are your sources and how do YOU know so much?
2006-12-23 21:21:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋