Compounded Stigmatization: Collateral Consequences of a Sex Offense Conviction

• In Event: Division on Sentencing & Corrections Handbook Series Volume 3 Panel 2: The Consequences of Sentencing and Punishment Decisions

Abstract

Individuals convicted of sex offenses are doubly marked from their conviction – by the nature of the offense and by the added restrictions and requirements for the crime. As the public perceives sex offenses as egregious and of great risk of being repeated, legislation has emerged across the United States, and globally, to control these individuals. These policies increase the collateral consequences of a sex offense conviction through public registries, residency restrictions, GPS monitoring, and mandatory treatment.

The collateral consequences produce long-lasting and far-reaching effects. The conviction may affect one’s ability to obtain employment and housing, and to receive social services. The stigma from the conviction often isolates individuals from others, and many experience psychological and emotional stress. The stigma can also hinder one’s ability to build prosocial relationships. This weakens one’s social bonds and may encourage sexual deviance. Additionally, family members, intimate partners, and friends often experience shame and harassment from the conviction.

This chapter includes recent developments in understanding these collateral consequences. A review of the current literature and discussion of the impacts of legislation and restrictions post-conviction are included. The collateral consequences for emerging populations including women, juveniles, and tribal groups are explored. Finally, policy developments are examined.

Authors

• Morgan McGuirk, University of Missouri - St. Louis

• Kim Kras, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• Breanne Pleggenkuhle, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Beth M. Huebner, University of Missouri - St. Louis