Shame and blame: Secondary stigma among families of convicted sex offenders

Abstract

The detriment of incarceration experienced by the formerly incarcerated has been increasingly explored in the literature on reentry. A tangential but equally concerning issue that has recently received more research attention is the effect on family members of the incarcerated. The stigma of a criminal conviction is most apparent among families of convicted sex offenders, who experience consequences parallel to those of their convicted relative. Drawing from interviews with 30 individuals with a family member incarcerated for a sex offence in the United States, this study explores manifestations of stigma due to familial association. The findings suggest that families face negative treatment from social networks and criminal justice officials, engage in self-blame and that the media’s control over the narrative exacerbates family members’ experiences. Given the pervasiveness of criminal justice system contact, the rapid growth of the sex offender registry in the United States, and the millions of family members peripherally affected by one or both, justice system reforms are needed to ensure that family members are shielded from the harms of incarceration and registration.

“Secondary registrants”: A new conceptualization of the spread of community control

“…Convicted individuals have described their decisions to engage in preventative isolation as a strategy to minimize the risk of negative encounters with the public and avoid anticipated stigmatizing experiences (Kilmer, 2016). A recent study by Evans, Trahan, and Laird (2021) found that family members of people convicted of sex offenses would also engage in similar strategies to avoid stigmatizing social interactions, including changing their daily routines or minimizing contact with extended family. Unfortunately, this in turn limits sources of support to help cope with the emotional burden and economic hardships.…”

“…Family members have reported surveillance and judgment from community members, co-workers, and relatives and may resent their registrant loved one for bringing shame on the family (Farkas and Miller, 2007). Evans, Trahan, and Laird (2021) discuss how family members of those convicted of sex offenses are subjected to a dual stigmatization due to their loved one's initial incarceration followed by the public status on the sex offense registry following release (p.10). Attempts to manage stigma, whether through social withdrawal (Farkas and Miller, 2007), rationalization techniques (Rapp, 2012), or internalization of shame, can negatively impact self-identity and mental health (Duncan et al, 2020).…”

“…While other offender groups may be able to hide their label from the public, thus reducing their experiences of stigma, people convicted of sex offenses have little choice but to publicly display their past deviance to all. Consequently, this also means that family members of people convicted of sex offenses cannot shield themselves from the spillover stigma resulting from their loved one's conviction (Evans, Trahan and Laird, 2021). Beyond the numerous laws and restrictions aimed at registrants that affect the housing and financial support of families (Rapp, 2012; Levenson, 2008; Levenson and Tewksbury 2009; Leon 2011b), family members of registrants are often confronted with stigmatization that they cannot avoid.…”

The Last Lick: A Lived Experience of Non-incarcerated Partners

“…Kavanagh and Levenson (2021) reported that the latter sustained substantial damage. Evans et al (2021) also reported that the travesty of a felony charge is significantly more pronounced among relatives of sex offenders than among relatives of other offenders. According to the findings, families face discrimination from interpersonal organisations as well as criminal justice authorities.…”

“…According to the findings, families face discrimination from interpersonal organisations as well as criminal justice authorities. Evans et al (2021) noted that the media's command over the account worsened relatives' encounters.…”