Definition of a Sex Crime
A sex crime is any crime or offense that is of a sexual nature. These crimes may or may not include physical contact and may be either misdemeanors or felonies. According to Center for Sex Offender Management, the sex crime of forcible rape decreased by 10 percent from 1990 to 1995 and the number of arrests for all sex crimes except prostitution dropped by 16 percent from 1993 to 1998.
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Types
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There are many different offenses that are considered sex crimes. Specific laws vary by state. When people think of sex crimes, the most common offenses that come to mind are child molestation and rape. Rape includes forcible rape, date rape, spousal rape and statutory rape (rape of a minor). These are two of the most serious sex crimes, but other offenses also fall into this category. Sexual harassment, child pornography, exhibitionism and prostitution are also considered sex crimes. Solicitation over the Internet is also considered a sex crime.
Who are the Sex Offenders?
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Unfortunately, there is no common profile of sexual offenders. It is more common for a sex offender to be male, but there are many female sex offenders. In addition, sex offenders may be adults or juveniles. Sex offenders have not necessarily been convicted of another lesser sexual crime or a non-sex crime.
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Misconceptions
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There are many misconceptions about sex crimes that are addressed by the Center for Sex Offender Management. For example, many people believe that once a person is convicted of a sex crime, they will commit that crime again. However, data show that only a small number of sex offenders are re-convicted for a sex crime. For example, only 13 percent of convicted child molesters were re-convicted for another sexual offense. Another misconception is that children who are sexually abused will grow up to be a sexual abuser. This is not necessarily true. Data shows that only 30 percent of adult sex offenders were sexually abused as a child.
Sex Offender Registry
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Convicted sex offenders are required to be registered in their state or local Sex Offender Registry. Depending on state law, the sex offender may remain on the registry for life or for as little as five years. Citizens can search for registered sex offenders in their area on the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Web Site.
Prevention
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The most important way to prevent sex crime is education. When dealing with children, it is important to recognize the signs that the child is being abused as well as observe the behavior of the adults in the child's life. Adults should not make the child uncomfortable with any type of touching or tickling or by verbally talking about the child's body or sexuality. Change in appetite, unexplained nightmares and drawing pictures that are violent or disturbing are all signs that the child may be sexually abused. Adolescents show additional signs of promiscuity, self-injury or cutting or drug and alcohol abuse. It is important to report any suspected sexual assault of a child. Adults should also be aware of their environment and of people who verbally harass or touch excessively.
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References
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