False Security: North Carolina Sexual Offenders' Perceptions of Residence Restrictions

Abstract

Despite increasingly restrictive sexual offender legislation from 1994 until 2006, there is little evidence that these laws are reducing the number and severity of sexually motivated crimes. This study used a nonrandom sample of 231 adult sexual offenders from 11 outpatient treatment sites and assessed their experiences with residence restrictions in the state of North Carolina. Results indicate sexual offenders face emotional and financial difficulties as a result of residence restrictions, even in a state where restrictions are less stringent. Young adults, in particular, had difficulty securing housing and were often unable to live with supportive family members. Overall, sexual offenders believed residence restrictions do nothing to prevent recidivism.

Notes

¹This response rate may be an underestimate. Clinicians provided their best estimates of the number of sexual offenders in group treatment and survey packets were sent based on that estimate. Some clinicians overestimated so enough packets would be available to group members.

Note. N = 231.

²Portions of this data are discussed briefly in another paper.

Note. N = 231.

³Portions of this data are discussed briefly in another paper.

*p < .05. **p < .01.