The new American witch hunt . . .

[OneBlueSky]

Demonizing sex offenders by passing tough, mindless laws rather than treating them makes little sense
By Richard B. Krueger, psychiatrist and associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.
March 11, 2007

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-kr...

(snip)

What is being created is a class of individuals that is progressively demonized by society and treated in such a way that a meaningful reintegration into society is impossible.

Yes, sexual abuse is a serious matter. Yes, individuals who commit sexual crimes should be punished. Unquestionably, a small percentage of sex offenders are very dangerous and must be removed from society. What's more, we know that sexual crimes are devastating to victims and their families and that we must do all we can to protect ourselves from "predators."

But demonizing people rather than treating them makes little sense, and passing laws that are tough but mindless in response to political pressure won't solve the problem either.

The reality is that, despite the popular perception to the contrary, recidivism rates for sexual offenders are among the lowest of any class of criminals. What's more, 90% of sex offenders in prison will eventually be released back into the community — and 90% of sexual offenses are committed by people known to their victim, such as family members or trusted members of the community — so rehabilitation is critical. It is not possible, affordable, constitutional or reasonable to lock up all sex offenders all of the time.

more . . .

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-kr...