(Weekly Update #173)
Due to technical error, the 10-5-2021 Weekly Update was not delivered to all FAC members. This is a re-transmission of the 10-5-2021 Weekly Update
Dear Members and Advocates,
We learned this past week that the first-of-its-kind meta-analysis study on evaluating the effects of SORN on recidivism showed that SORN policies have had NO effect on recidivism.
Any thinking person will see that the registry as we know it should come down, but there is so much fear out there that keeps society from following the research. Clinicians and researchers in the study of sex offenses say that while all research shows that what our society is doing to prevent future sex crimes (having the registry along with its numerous harsh laws) is not working, SORN is so imbedded in our society that people are not willing to give it up, regardless of hearing and knowing the truth. That is scary. So, what do we do?
Educating the media with the low sexual recidivism rates helps give journalists a better understanding of the truth, but as Derek Logue said in his recent article, “Minnesota’s ‘Shadow Prison’ for Sex Offenders”, the media is only interested in a story if there is a shock value. FAC can attest to this fact as much material has been sent to journalists which appears to have had no influence on the stories that are written. The collateral damage caused by the registry laws in the different states apparently does not sell stories for the media, so they are not interested in hearing about them.
Our state legislative bodies throughout our country as a whole have proven to be incapable of making change based on research, or, if there is a change made, it is only made at a snail’s pace, as in years. It is difficult for politicians to admit that they are wrong. Written into some Florida statutes is the inaccurate statement that registrants are highly likely to re-offend. Every Florida legislator was given the 2019 findings by the U. S. Department of Justice proving that statement was false. Not a single legislator did anything to try to correct it. By undoing past legislation, state legislative bodies would have to first admit that they made a mistake in passing a previous law, and rarely does that happen. We still need to be educating our Florida legislators so that at the very least, none can say they were never told the truth.
Florida Senator Jason W. B. Pizzo recently said that a short hand-written note on a piece of paper meant more to him than anything else. We have also been told that one mailed letter in an envelope with a stamp says to a legislator that there are 100 other people who feel the same way that you do. Please pick at least one state legislator and mail a summary of one study. It can be on the very low sexual recidivism rate, the fact that all research shows residency restrictions are not working but are increasing homelessness, that at least 90% of future sex offenses will be by people not on the registry, 93% of minors know their perpetrator, what would work in decreasing sexual crimes, etc.
Currently at the FAC website in the Media dropdown box, if you select “Articles and Studies Containing Research”, you will find some research. That section should be updated within the next two weeks. Research can also be found at our website in the “Resource” dropdown box. NARSOL has research at narsol.org. Click on “Resources” and then “NARSOL Resource Site”.
Many of our members want the 25-year meta-analysis report on SORN, showing that it has had no effect on recidivism, to be shared with anyone or any group that is in a position to change our Florida laws. You can refer to the September 30 report at our website for information to use in a letter to a legislator.
It is also important that legislators know about the American Law Institute’s recent recommendations summarized at https://mitchellhamline.edu/sex-offense-litigation-policy/2021/06/16/american-law-institute-adopts-revisions-to-model-penal-code-that-include-major-changes-to-sex-offender-registries/
FAC will be sharing research with legislators and others, but hearing from FAC is not going to impress any legislator. What will impress them is knowing that there are many Florida citizens who are now aware of the truth. Remember that one letter to a legislator represents 100 Florida residents with similar beliefs. You can find your Florida legislators at our website under “Committees” – “Legislative Committee” – “Finding Your State and County Legislators, Committees”. Please send information to as many legislators as you can; they do not just have to be your own representatives. It is suggested that you also send your correspondence and educational materials to Senator Lauren Book. Be reasonable and respectful; remind her that if she expects to be at the table when decisions are made about women, then why doesn’t she invite YOU to the table when decisions are made that affect registered citizens and their families. See past posting called “Senator Lauren Book….In her own Words”.
It is important to keep the letter brief and courteous. Avoid going off on tangents – stick to your one point. Then send other letters at a later time to discuss your other points.
We are working together to show that misplaced fear in our society causes harm, not good.
Sincerely,
The Florida Action Committee
Reminders:
Housing and Employment Opportunity for the Right Person – Male, Female, or Couple. If you enjoy water life, you are comfortable in modest housing, and you are willing to work hard, then you may be the right person for this opportunity. An FAC advocate and owner of a Koi Fish farm in Northwest FL is looking for help. The job provides a 28-ft mobile home with utilities and base pay, located on their 3-acre family farm . It involves raising Koi fish and pond plants, shipping them to various locations, and occasional diving expeditions in the Gulf area (when qualified). There is a 90-day trial period. If you have an interest in applying, please call 833-REPEAL, Option 1 or email [email protected] . We will forward your information to the local County Coordinator to set up an interview with the business owner.
Housing is Needed – We receive calls daily from members looking for housing. If you have housing to rent or purchase, please contact email [email protected] or call 833-273-7325, option 1. We will only share the information with the FAC Outreach team and the County Coordinator in your area.
October 7 Thursday at 8:00pm ET – Monthly Membership Call – phone 319-527-3487. Topic: Overview of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If unable to connect, text “CALL ME” to same number to receive call back and be joined to the meeting.
October 8-10 – Houston TX – NARSOL Annual Conference. Livestream access is available for $40. Visit https://narsol.org/category/conference-news-and-highlights/ to view conference highlights. We plan to have an FAC meeting in Houston for members attending the conference. If you are attending the conference and want to be included, please notify [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325, Option 1.
October 14 Thursday at 8:00pm ET – New Member Orientation Call – phone 319-527-3487. Ask questions about the organization, share resources, discuss local issues and learn about volunteer opportunities. If unable to connect, text “CALL ME” to same number to receive call back and be joined to the meeting.
October 16 Saturday – REGULAR TIME 11:00am – 1:00pm ET. Therapist-led Family Support Session via Zoom. Limited participation. Email [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325 Option 1 for access to the Monthly group session.
October 23 Saturday Noon-3pm – Meet and Greet in Apopka (Orange County). Guest speakers will share their experience at the NARSOL Conference in Houston and the impact of the Chicago 400. We are organizing meetings with municipal, county and state lawmakers. Show up and Sign up to meet with local representatives in your area. RSVP to [email protected] or leave message at 833-273-7325 Option 1.
November 4 Thursday at 8:00pm ET – Special Monthly Membership Call via Zoom. Topic: PTSD – Analysis of Research Study. Guest Speaker: Dr Jill Levenson. The Zoom link and phone number will be provided before the meeting.
Need to Talk? FAC has peer volunteers that are here to talk one-on-one, call 904-452-8322. Volunteers are not available 24/7 but you will receive a call as soon as possible. If you have an emergency, call 911, or helpline at 1-800-273-8255 or a crisis center (Listing of Crisis Centers and Hotlines)
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