The Role of Formal Social Control Mechanisms in Sex Offending Desistance

• In Event: Advances in Sex Offense Policy Research: Desistance and Social Supports

Abstract

This study explored the role of sex offender laws, particularly registration and community notification, in individuals’ sexual desistance processes. Through qualitative thematic analysis of 77 registrants, findings suggest that the threat of prison and probation/parole serve as deterrents for some, even though they did not speak this directly. The majority of registrants stated the registry was not influential in their desistance, however, they subsequently discussed how these formal mechanisms made them cognizant of the rules and regulations associated with their situation, prompting compliance. Notably, the registry acted as a stronger deterrent than notification. In contrast, the threat of civil commitment negatively affects seeking therapeutic help when needed by registered citizens, and thus likely interferes with the desistance process.
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Authors

• Sara Moore, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Brooke Cooley, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Lisa Sample, University of Nebraska at Omaha