Table of Contents

Foreword     13
Introduction     16
Is Sex Offender Policy Based on Accurate Assumptions?
Chapter Preface     20
Yes: Sex Offender Policy Is Based on Accurate Assumptions
Tougher Laws on Sex Offenders Increase Public Safety   George F. Allen     22
Tough Laws and Vigilant Prosecution Are the Best Defense Against Sexual Predators   Alberto R. Gonzales     28
Child Molestation Has Reached Epidemic Proportions   Dana D. Kelley     39
No: Sex Offender Policy Is Not Based on Accurate Assumptions
Research and Statistics Debunk Common Misconceptions$dAssociation for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers     43
Americans Exaggerate Threats Posed by Sexual Predators   Benjamin Radford     54
Clarifying the Facts Can Strengthen Public Policy   Eric Lotke   Herbert J. Hoelter     64
Most Sex Offenders Are Not Murderers   Lisa L. Sample     72
Is Treatment for Sex Offenders Effective?
Chapter Preface     82
Yes: Treatment for Sex Offenders Is Effective
Treating Sex Offenders Makes Sense   Pamela D. Schultz     85
Treatment for Pedophiles Reduces Victimization   Douglas J. Edwards     90
No: Treatment for Sex Offenders Is Not Effective
Treating Sex Offenders Is a Waste of Resources   John Florez     99
Pedophiles Are Criminals, Not Patients   Thomas S. Szasz     102
What Controversies Surround Sex Offender Policy?
Chapter Preface     108
Registries and Community Notification Target the Wrong People   Michelle L. Meloy     110
Iowa's Residency Restrictions Have Proven Unsuccessful$dIowa County Attorneys Association     120
GPS Tracking of Sex Offenders Fails to Protect Children and Promotes Panic   Katharine Mieszkowski     126
Juveniles Engaging in Consensual Oral Sex Should Not Be Punished   Karen Houppert     137
Legislation Must Be Based on Scientific Research   Richard B. Krueger     139
Death Penalty for Sex Offenders Sends the Wrong Message   Debra Saunders     144
Castration Should Be an Option for Sex Offenders   Tamara Dietrich     147
Castration Is Inappropriate and Immoral$dDaily Press, Newport News, Virginia     151
How Can Sex Offender Policies Be Improved?
Chapter Preface     155
Policy Should Emphasize Public Health and Restorative Justice   Eric S. Janus     157
Policy Shift Needed to Protect Children on the Internet   Michelle Collins     166
Reform the Statute of Limitations to Bring Victims Justice   Marci A. Hamilton     173
The National Sex Offender Public Registry Is a Cost-Effective and Powerful Tool   Regina B. Schofield     181
Containment and Surveillance Plus Registries Equals Real Protection   Kim Talman     184
Targeting Offenders' Re-entry into Society and Community Education Are Key   Deborah Donovan Rice     194
Organizations to Contact     204
Bibliography     211
Index     218