Sexual Predators: A constant threat

There has been a recent outcry from sexual predators about the abuse they face from society after serving their sentence. They, unlike murderers and other criminals, have to disclose personal information to the world. The discrimination Predators face extends beyond not being able to work in an environment catering primarily to children. They are classified for life as a sexual Predator and are mandated to register with their state or local law enforcement office. Once their status is revealed to the community they stand the chance of being isolated from social events as well as being limited to only certain areas since they are forbidden from living within a mile of any school or daycare.

Those that would sympathize with the plea of sexual predators ought to remember that the conviction of sexual predators often reveal a dangerous underlying habit. A sexual predator preys on children who are unable to protect themselves. Statistically, A typical predator will victimize 30-60 children before they are ever caught.[1] Even though the number of victims may vary before conviction, the pattern of repeat abuse is a commonality among predators.
Victims of any sexual crime often feel a sense of guilt believing they were in someway responsible. Children are even more susceptible to this coupled with the fear of telling on their abuser. This ease of manipulation allows predators to continue their pattern of abuse on our children indefinitely undetected.
It is society’s duty to monitor sexual predators in order to protect the most defenseless members of society.

Sexually abused children stand a great chance of becoming predators themselves perpetuating a vicious cycle. “An estimated 30 percent of adult sex offenders were sexually abused while growing up; the rate is even higher for those who sexually abuse young boys.” [2] When a murderer showed the propensity to reoffend to the degree of the sexual predator, we call them a psychopath or a serial killer, lock them up and throw away the key. Considering that the safety of our youth often remains in danger after the sexual predator completes his/her sentence, they are given considerable special treatment by using civil confinement instead of a permanent cell.

[1]http://www.goodknight.org/ 2007 Good Knight Child Empowerment Network. August 2008. http://www.goodknight.org/statistics_gk.html

[2]Mary Ellison. CRITICAL ISSUES IN SEXUAL ASSAULT. Minnesotta: Wilder Research. 2007