Sexual Violence: Evidence Based Policy and Prevention

The purpose of this edited volume is to examine the disconnect in the sexual violence prevention field between legislation, research and practice. The work is focused primarily on United States policies and initiatives, with key case studies internationally. Contributions show that current policies are mainly based on repeat offenders: residence restrictions, registration and notification statutes, and post-sentence initiatives. While these initiatives address public fears, they are not evidence-based and do not necessarily reduce offending.

Research shows that post-sentence policies may destabilize offenders and limit their ability to reintegrate with society at a critical period, therefore increasing the chances of recidivism. Furthermore, the majority of sex crimes (95%) are committed by first time offenders. This innovative book is divided into two parts juxtaposing what is currently being done legislatively with what the research evidence suggests would be best practice.

Introduction.- Sex Offender Definition and Typologies.- Part 1: Sex Offender Policies.- Sex Offender Registration and Notification Statutes.- Residence Restrictions.- Sexually Violent Predator Commitment.- Internet Sexual Offender Laws.- GPS and Electronic Monitoring.- Part II: Prevention.- Public Health Approach to Preventing Sexual Violence.- Situational Prevention Approaches.- Community Level Approaches to Prevent Sexual Violence.- Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) Intervention Approaches.- Dunkelfeld Project and Hotline Approaches.- Public Awareness.- Value of Prevention over Policy.- The Economics of Sex Offender Policy and Prevention.- Conclusion and Recommendations.