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Journal of Interpersonal Violence
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Misperceptions of Sex Offender Perpetration

Considering the Impact of Sex Offender Registration

Sarah W. Craun

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Matthew T. Theriot

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

A popular misconception among the general public is that sex offenders most often victimize strangers. To better understand these misconceptions about sex offenders, this study determines the frequency of misperception in the general public and establishes if the misconceptions are related to the policy of sex offender registration. Using a self-administered mail survey, it is found that on average, 3 out of 10 respondents indicate more worry about a child being sexually abused by a stranger than a child being sexually abused by someone known to them. In neighborhoods where registered sex offenders reside, awareness of a local sex offender significantly increases the likelihood that a respondent is more worried about a stranger sexually abusing a child. Interpretations of the findings follow, including discussing if the findings demonstrate an unintended consequence of sex offender registries.

Key Words: sex offender registration • sex offender perpetration • public perception

This version was published on December 1, 2009

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 24, No. 12, 2057-2072 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0886260508327706
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