Life Beyond the List: Examining the Effectiveness of Removing Individuals from the Sexual Offense Registry

• In Event: The Aftermath of Sexual Violence: Treatment, Healing, Transformation?

Abstract

Individuals convicted of sex offenses (ICSOs) may remain on the public ‘sexual offense’ registry (SOR) for decades. Empirical research indicates that registries are ineffective and the risk for recommission of a sexual offense diminishes both with age and with the passage of time offense-free. This study aims to examine whether individuals removed from the public sexual offense registry have similar re-offense patterns to individuals who remain on the registry. This will be the first study to examine the removal of individuals from registries. Using a random sample of two groups of ICSOs in Texas- those who have been removed from the public online sex offense registry (n=200), and those who remain on the public sex offense registry (n=200), both groups will be compared on indicators of recidivism, such as arrests, convictions, incarcerations, registration, technical and supervision violations, offense type and recidivism timeframes. As individuals removed from a registry may inherently pose reduced risk, variables that account for potential reductions in risk (age, offense type and degree, victim gender, criminal history, etc.) will be controlled statistically. Findings will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the registry system, the potential for rehabilitation, and the overall management of ICSOs.

Authors

• Kristen Marie Zgoba, Florida International University

• Kelly Socia, University of Massachusetts Lowell