The Beginning of a Social Movement Among Sex Offender Organizations

• In Event: Advances in Sex Offense Policy Research: Social Contexts of Sexual Offending

Abstract

Over the past decade, an increasing number of laws have restricted the rights of convicted sex offenders. As a result, various sex offender advocacy organizations have been established across the country to educate individuals convicted of a sex crime, as well as link them to resources. We conducted a national survey and interviews of all sex offender organizations across the country and found that these organizations are moving beyond providing resources and educating their members. There seems to be a growing movement to modify or abolish sex offender laws and many of these groups are actively involved in repelling new legislation that could be detrimental to registered citizens. We also found that although these national and state organizations use different strategies to combat sex offender laws, the goals of these organizations are largely the same. Based on our findings, recommendations for policy and practices will be provided.

Authors

• Tusty ten Bensel, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Julie Marie Baldwin, Missouri State University

• Kristen N. Sobba, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Lisa Sample, University of Nebraska at Omaha