@ Jacob re: “Sex offenses ARE underreported compared to other criminal offenses. This is well-established, and I’m unaware that even FAC disagrees with this.”

Well established or well presumed? How can such a thing can be “established.”

It’s certainly asserted by a large number of victim advocates and special interest groups, but what is their evidence? At most, maybe a survey or two that purportedly guarantees confidentiality. But that guarantee just as easily invites dishonesty in responses.

I’m not saying under-reporting doesn’t happen. I just question how those that study these things come up with their figures and wonder if it’s as prevalent as they would have people believe. Frankly, given the manipulation of statistics (such as in Ed C’s example in this thread), I’d bet whatever figures used – which can never be confirmed or denied – are pulled out of thin air to ensure the study’s result matches what was likely predetermined when it was sanctioned.

They’re also FALSE reported, for example:

https://www.foxnews.com/media/in-the-valley-of-sin-real-story-behind-fake-sex-ring

Considering the standard of proof to convict for sex crime is virtually non-existent (in practice if not in law) and the elimination of statute of limitations, I’m willing to bet there will be a significant increase in false reporting, particularly in high profile cases (read: where there’s a lot of money involved).

And yet, false reporting is never even acknowledged, let alone factored into recidivism statistics or imposition of new “civil regulations.”

Because of the wide range of offenses that can be classified as ‘sex offenses’ many are not reported because they are of such a minor nature that the two individuals are able to work it out with just an apology. I once asked a lady friend of mine what would be more traumatic…someone who drops his trousers and exposes his ‘junk’ or someone who puts a gun to her head in a car jacking. You can guess at the answer and yet there is no ‘car jacking’ registry. Sex offenses are relative and what might be a truly traumatic experience for one person might have little to no affect on someone else. I remember years ago when ‘streaking’ was a fad and brought about a good laugh. Today it will be a sex offense and ruin a person’s life. People are different and respond differently to events. When violence is interjected into a sex offense that is when the whole picture changes and society needs to step in and issue punishment. Being on the registry alone should not destroy a person’s life when apology and forgiveness can solve many of the problems.

Sex offenses ARE underreported compared to other criminal offenses. This is well-established, and I’m unaware that even FAC disagrees with this.

It does not follow, though, that RE-offenses by registered sex offenders are underreported. That’s what our opponents get wrong.

We’re comparing sex offenses to…jaywalking & speeding?

Other than perhaps suicide, what offense isn’t underreported? I can personally vouch that jaywalking, speeding, and using a non-hands-free device while driving, underage drinking, DWI, and a host of other sins of my youth are all underreported.

You are certainly correct regarding the interchangeability of sex offenders. A May 2019 Bureau of Justice Statistics recidivism study does just that. Its headline uses the term “Sex Offenders,” and the term is used throughout the article. One must read the first footnote to see the definition of sex offenders:

‘For this report, “sex offenders” refers to released prisoners whose most serious commitment offense was rape or sexual assault.’

Since I was interested in gleaning statistics, even I did not read the footnote the first time through. Rape and sexual assault? Those crimes represent only a fraction of sex offenders. I’ve seen the study quoted in news articles stating that:

‘Sex offenders were three times as likely as other offenders to be arrested for rape or sexual assault during the 9 years following release.’

More than three times??? (actual figures are 7.7% vs 2.3%) OMG!!! Oh, if you missed the footnote, you could be forgiven for believing that was a general statement about sex offenders rather than only those previously convicted of rape or sexual assault.

Because of the qualifying footnote, this may not be truly disinformation. You can draw your own conclusions, but I believe the report was written to intentionally misinform.

Veritas.

Yep.

And not only that are there any people who believe that PFRs are committing crimes and that those are not being reported?!?! With most sex crimes the perpetrator is known. Are there people who believe those perpetrators are PFRs?! Surely not. That would mean not only did the awesome Hit Lists not prevent a crime but also that any victim(s) didn’t want to harm the PFR. Completely implausible.

Further, I’d say without doubt that PFRs are falsely accused of crimes plenty often. PFRs are over-reported and everything else is underreported.