About Sex Offenders – What You Need to Know
Sexual offenses are committed by a vast array of individuals, with no particular pattern or type to suggest who is most likely to commit such an act. No one can accurately determine and define the profile of those responsible for committing sexual crimes.
From the Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM), we know that offenders of sexual abuse are a vast and heterogeneous population. It’s often difficult to believe, but many perpetrators can appear as pleasant, caring individuals in their personal lives—except when they’re committing these egregious acts.
Labels like “monster,” “predator” or “animal” are emotionally charged and reduce the humanity of people who commit sexual offenses. This can be harmful as it makes it difficult for individuals to recognize potential signs of abuse in their circles, including family, friends, and community members who do not fit these words at all in their minds. Often sexual offenders are members of the family and there may be deep love involved.
The majority of persons who perpetrate sexual offenses have a past connection to their victims, yet there are some perpetrators who prefer attacking unknown people. An array of motivations and methods are employed by these abusers to gain access to prey on vulnerable individuals.
Rather than rely on sex offender profiling, it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and aware of potential signs of abuse in their own circles. This requires the education and recognition of common warning signs including secretive behavior, physical evidence of abuse, emotional distress, excessive criticism, or control, blaming victims for the abuse they’ve experienced, and more.
We are all interconnected – family, work, and community. People who commit sexual offenses may be among us, which is why treatment and management of these individuals is essential for our safety. Thanks to the advancements in research, we have more understanding of what effective treatments and interventions work best with those convicted of a sex crime. To learn more about this topic please visit www.atsa.com.
Sex Offenders by the Numbers
- Most are juveniles. Sexual assaults committed by youth are a growing concern in this country. Currently, it is estimated that adolescents (ages 13 to 17) account for up to one-fifth of all rapes and one half of all cases of child molestation committed each year
- Most adults who perpetrate sexual offenses have been doing so since their adolescence
- It is true that many offenders of sexual crimes have themselves been victims of such acts, however, it’s important to note that the majority of those who experienced victimization do not go on to become perpetrators.
- Individuals intentionally go for certain targets and determine the time, place, and method of carrying out sexual offenses. This is a deliberate decision made by them to commit such acts.
- When choosing their targets, perpetrators are often drawn towards specific weaknesses. Unfortunately, there is no set list of vulnerabilities that all offenders adhere to when it comes to committing sexual assaults.
Some Additional Statistics
- There are approximately 750,000 registered sex offenders in the United States.
- There are approximately 250,000 convicted sex offenders under criminal justice supervision in the community.
- Most sex offenders (80-95%) assault people they know.
- At least half of convicted child molesters report that they also have sexually assaulted an adult.
- Over 80% of convicted adult rapists report that they have molested children.
- Approximately one-third of sex offenders report assaulting both males and females. Research shows that most convicted sex offenders have committed many, assaults before they are caught.
- Most sex offenders report that they have committed multiple types of sexual assault (sexual assault crimes include exhibitionism, voyeurism, oral sex, vaginal penetration, attempted penetration, fondling, and incest).
- Over two-thirds of offenders who reported committing incest also report they assaulted victims outside the family.
- Studies of victims have shown less than 30% of sex crimes are reported to law enforcement.
- Young victims who know or are related to the perpetrator are less likely to report the crime to authorities.
Source: https://pcar.org/about-sexual-violence/sexual-offenders
Summary
Sex offenders do not fit any profile and come from all walks of life. It is important for everyone to remain vigilant and aware of potential signs of abuse in their circles to prevent such occurrences.
Statistics show that there are about 750,000 registered sex offenders in the United States, most of whom commit crimes against people they know. Research has also shown that most convicted sex offenders have committed multiple assaults before they are caught and many of them also report having assaulted adults and children alike.
Sex offenders come from every age group and walk of life. They do not fit any particular profile and are not isolated in one particular area or group.
Help is Available
Remember – you don’t have to go it alone. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual violence and would like guidance and/or support, please call our HOTLINE at: 215-985-3333 – all calls are confidential, and you can remain anonymous.
