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How likely is it that an offender will be reconvicted?Human Rights Watch Statement
(page 38)The US Department of Justice tracked 9,691 male sex offenders in 15 states who were released from prison in 1994 and found that within three years only 5.3 percent of all sex offenders were arrested, and 3.5 percent convicted, for a new sex crime; 2.2 percent were rearrested for a sex offense against a child.
(page 38)State-specific studies have yielded similar results. For example, in Ohio, only 8 percent of former sex offenders were reincarcerated for another sex offense within a 10-year period. Sex offenders who returned for a new sex offense did so within a few years of release. Within three years of their release, 2 percent of New York inmates who had served time for a sex offense returned to prison with a conviction for another sex offense. Within nine years, the number was 10 percent.
Is a 6 year age difference OK? What about 20?Human Rights Watch Statement(page 32) In our sample, 67 percent of the registrants reported indecent liberties with a minor as the registerable offense (this is a broadly-defined offense that need not include violence and need not even involve physical contact with the minor victim). Another 10 percent were registered for rape (first and second degree), The other 23 percent were registered for other sex crimes.
Human Rights Watch ReportYour feedback on the Human Rights Report and our statements
FamilyWatchdog.us's PositionOur position statement
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Where it beginsHuman Rights Watch Statement
(page 24) With the purpose of helping parents identify unknown convicted sex offenders in the neighborhood, sex offender laws like community notification schemes reflect the assumption that children and adults are most at risk from strangers. Yet sexual violence against children as well as adults is overwhelmingly perpetrated by family members or acquaintances.
We just don't even understand this statementHuman Rights Watch Statement
(page 73) These exceptions still leave many teenagers at risk of being labeled as sex offenders for engaging in sexual conduct that is legal for adults.
NC Youthful Offenders with Multiple ConvictionsHuman Rights Watch Statement
(page 32) Among the 13 registered sex offenders in our sample who were under 18 at the time of conviction, six were registered for indecent liberties with a minor, and four were convicted of second degree rape (rape not involving the use of a weapon).
Twisting the NumbersHuman Rights Watch Statement
(page 31) The overwhelming majority, 98.6 percent, were one-time offenders, that is, their only sex offense was the one for which they were currently required to register.
Did they verify that these statements are correct?Human Rights Watch Statement
(page 38) The only reason I am considered a sex offender is because I committed an offense that triggers registration. In any other context, my crime would never be considered a sex offense, and I
would not be considered a threat to society.
—Trent B., a Pennsylvania registrant convicted of streaking
Peeing in publicHuman Rights Watch Statement
(page 39) At least 13 states require registration for public urination; of those, two limit registration to those who committed the act in view of a minor;