A Uniquely Punitive Turn? Sex Offenders and the Persistence of Punitive Sanctioning

Cochran, Joshua C.; Toman, Elisa L.; Shields, Ryan T.; Mears, Daniel P.

doi:10.1177/0022427820941172

Cited by 29 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 91 publications

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“…Distorted perceptions of sex offenders and skepticism about the possibility of rehabilitating them create an atmosphere in which legislators feel compelled to enact tougher sentencing laws [73]. Additionally, evidence shows that negative perceptions about sex offenders hinder their reintegration [23].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Ambivalent Sexism, Punitiveness, and Ability to Recognize Violence in the Perception of Sex Offenders: A Gender-Perspective Analysis

León

Rollero

2021

Sexes

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Sexual violence is a public health problem that affects not just the victim, but the offender and the surrounding communities. Research shows that public perceptions regarding the perpetrators of such offenses are of critical importance since citizens’ insights are a major force in the creation and implementation of sex offender policies. This study aimed to analyze, from a gender perspective, public perceptions about sex offenders in an Italian population sample (N = 768; 62.0% women, M = 32.8 years old). To do so, the Perceptions of Sex Offenders Scale (PSO) (α = 0.82) was used. The explanatory variables included in the study were the General Punitiveness Scale (GPS), the short versions of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), and the Ambivalence toward Men Inventory (AMI), as well as awareness about subtle forms of violence. Results showed that women reported higher levels of sex offenders’ risk perception. At the same time, it was found that men outscored women on the endorsement of stereotypes toward such perpetrators. Finally, findings revealed similarities and differences between women and men regarding correlates of perceptions about sex offenders. Implications for research and public policy in this area are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Ambivalent Sexism, Punitiveness, and Ability to Recognize Violence in the Perception of Sex Offenders: A Gender-Perspective Analysis

León

Rollero

2021

Sexes

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“…This emphasises that rehabilitation needs to be bespoke to the individual [72][73][74][75][76]. However, paradoxically, we see punitive criminal justice policies, often replicated internationally [3,15,46,77], that run contrary to the desistance and harm reduction messages of rehabilitation [28••]. These harmful and problematic policies include the use of polygraph testing [78,79], registration and/or community notification policies [80][81][82], housing restrictions [83,84], and limitations on employment [85,86].…”

Section: Current Approaches To Community Risk Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Integration of People Convicted of a Sexual Offence Into the Community and Their (Risk) Management

McCartan

Richards

2021

Curr Psychiatry Rep

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Purpose of Review We are reviewing recent research into the community integration of men convicted of a sexual offence and their (risk) management. This is a high-profile political issue that binds together research in psychology, criminology, politics, health, public health, and policy studies. The review will demonstrate that a multi-disciplinary, life course, EpiCrim-oriented approach is the most effective way of reducing re-offending and promoting desistance in this population. Recent Findings Research demonstrates that life course development, especially from psychology and criminology, has an impact on whether people sexually offend or not. Therefore, to understand sexual offending behaviour, we need to look at the aetiology of said behaviour from a nature and a nurture perspective. Therefore, we need to use an Epidemiological Criminology (a marriage of Public Health and criminology) approach that works at all four stages of the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) (individual, interrelationship, community, and societal). The research encourages a person first approach, that we look at Adverse Childhood Experiences and past trauma in the lives of men who sexually offend and use this, in conjunction with strength-based approaches, to inclusively integrate them into society. Summary The prevention of sexual offending, both first time offending, and relapse prevention require a multi-level, multi-disciplinary approach. Successful desistance from sexual offending is as much about the community and society as it is about the individual.

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“…Persons convicted of sexual offenses face structural controls and stigma far different from individuals convicted of other offense types (Cochran et al, 2021;Soothill, 2010). Edwards and Hensley (2001) contended that individuals convicted of sexual offenses are characterized by the public and the justice system as a one-dimensional "monster" incapable of reform (see also Simon, 1998).…”

Section: Cost Of a Sex Offense Convictionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The price of a sex offense conviction: A comparative analysis of the costs of community supervision

et al. 2021

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Monetary sanctions can expand the scope and depth of punishment. Most research on monetary sanctions has centered on fines and fees assessed by the court, but they are also routinely imposed as part of the probation and parole sentence. In this article, we draw on in-depth interview data from a sample of individuals under correctional supervision to document the often hidden costs of correctional control. We further consider a subsample of participants convicted of sexual offenses to illustrate the unique way that monetary sanctions are levied on groups of people who are considered more morally culpable and worthy of carceral control. We find that monetary sanctions are regularly assessed and challenging for most participants. The stigma of a sexual offense conviction and economic precarity, particularly among Black members of the sample, further the costs of punishment. We contend that costs associated with a sexual offense are unique because they can continue in perpetuity, govern normative behavior, and are centered on an assumption of continued guilt. We argue that the monetary sanctions levied against convicted persons, especially individuals with sexual offenses, demonstrate the often hidden and expansive nature of carceral control for other marginalized groups.

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A Uniquely Punitive Turn? Sex Offenders and the Persistence of Punitive Sanctioning

Cited by 29 publications

References 91 publications

The Role of Ambivalent Sexism, Punitiveness, and Ability to Recognize Violence in the Perception of Sex Offenders: A Gender-Perspective Analysis

The Role of Ambivalent Sexism, Punitiveness, and Ability to Recognize Violence in the Perception of Sex Offenders: A Gender-Perspective Analysis

The Integration of People Convicted of a Sexual Offence Into the Community and Their (Risk) Management

The price of a sex offense conviction: A comparative analysis of the costs of community supervision

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