Shame and Justice: Partners of Individuals on Sex Offense Registries Encourage Policy Reform

Kristan N Russell,William P Evans,Katie M Snider,Shawn C Marsh

doi:10.21428/88de04a1.0eadc609

Abstract

Sex offense registration and notification (SORN) policies can contribute to stigma and negative consequences for partners of registered individuals. The present study utilized a self-report questionnaire to ask these partners what they would say to policymakers if given the opportunity. A thematic analysis of the responses revealed three themes which highlight the distinct issues related to registries, describe direct consequences experienced by the partners, and propose changes to existing policy. This study provides valuable insight into the experiences of a hard-to-reach population and can help generate critical discussion around the sweeping impacts SORN policies have on individuals they were not intended to reach. Implications for qualitative criminology and policy are discussed.

Highlights

Since the 1990’s, the United States has witnessed a proliferation of federal and statelevel sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policies
Sex offense registration and notification (SORN) policies can contribute to stigma and negative consequences for partners of registered individuals
Existing data suggest that individuals who have committed sexual offenses have low rates of recidivism (Bureau of Justice Statistics,2002; Sample & Bray, 2006)

Summary

Introduction

Since the 1990’s, the United States has witnessed a proliferation of federal and statelevel sex offender registration and notification (SORN) policies. SORN policies have developed through public demand for more punitive approaches to address sexual offending following several tragic and highly publicized sexual crimes against children (Kahn et al, 2017; Prescott, 2012; Robbers, 2009; Vasquez et al, 2008; Wright, 2008) and continue to receive tremendous public support (Proctor, et al, 2002). These policies have been implemented with little evaluative evidence or regard for others who may be unintentionally impacted. This study aims to assess the collateral consequences experienced by partners of registered individuals by bringing their voices into the conversation on policy reform

Objectives

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Conclusion