The Sex Offender across the Street: A Qualitative Assessment of Male and Female Sex Offender Registrants' Offenses, Judicial Processing, and Registration Experiences

• In Event: Preventing Sexual Offending

Abstract

In this study, we conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with male and female respondents who are identified as sex offenders on the public registry within the state of Texas. In an effort to learn more about the dynamics of sexual offending, we examined the incident which led to each respondent’s registration. We also explored how respondents managed the stigma as well as the legal and extralegal restrictions associated with the sex offender registry. Finally, this study examined respondents’ judicial processing, punishment and treatment experiences, as well as their perceived effects of the public registry. Suggestions are provided for treatment providers as well as criminal justice practitioners who manage and supervise sex offenders in the community.

Authors

• Robert Worley, Lamar University

• Ginger Gummelt, Lamar University

• Vidisha Worley, Lamar University

• Jim Mann, Lamar University