Can sexual offenders be rehabilitated?

[tinkntraining]

Can they be "cured" of their illness and urges and become productive members of society?

I'll start:

No.

 

[dislaney]

No!

 

[happygirl]

Can they be "cured" of their illness and urges and become productive members of society?

I'll start:

No.

Yes, I think with the right treatment anyone can change. What I really want to say I can't do to the Dis policy

 

[H&Hmommy]

I will second that with a big fat......NO!
Kim

 

[VillageMama]

Can they be cured of their desires? No.

Can they control their behaviors in order not to be a threat to society? I hope so.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you are talking sexual offenders that have convicted and served time, no.

Now they can refrain from molesting however that does not mean they are "cured".

 

[lillygator]

no I believe they can not. I would love to see a study that follows all the ones who have been convicted and released. They are many that would still be living if these jerks had been rehabilitated.

 

[LukenDC]

If you are talking sexual offenders that have convicted and served time, no.

Now they can refrain from molesting however that does not mean they are "cured".

I agree with this. I am troubled that many molesters do not see anything wrong with abusing children. That does not bode well for impulse control and integration back into society.

 

[LuvOrlando]

No.

Unfortunately, relentless systematic abuse does permanent damage. I think statistically a victim has a 50/50 chance of becoming an abuser themselves. Part of the problem is when they un-rightfully accept part of the blame themselves (McKenzie Phillips did this) because this means that if they abuse they will also assume their victim is partially responsible. Disgusting, I know, but many actually think the victim welcomed them because in their twisted minds struggle to make sense of their own abuse they accept blame. No the victim never wanted to be abused, the victim welcomed love, abuse was the price of that love so the victim went along with it.

If a victim doesn't get help or stabilize him/herself early on then certain ideas will become ingrained and impossible to remove.

Personally, my heart breaks for anyone who ever suffered abuse at someone elses hands but that sympathy turns to stone the moment the person chooses the path that crosses over from victim to abuser. Once you hurt someone else you are worthless in my eyes, unworthy of second chances and unfit for society... they have no right to share my world and if it were up to me they wouldn't.

 

[brockash]

Generally speaking, I would say no, and in all honesty don't really care, as I don't think everyone in the world should get a second chance, and IMO these ppl. don't qualify for one. The only exception I think would be if it was a child sexually abusing/assaulting another child. While it's still horrible, I would hope that those child offenders would be forced/given every oppurtunity to be rehabilitated, but again once they reach adulthood, if it's done again, I'd say no more chances.

 

[dawson5]

I don't think you can say yes or no to a general question. I think looking at each case individually makes most sense.

 

[hentob]

A true sex offender? NEVER!

Now, the 17 year old girl that willingly sleeps with their 18 year old boyfriends for months until the parents catch wind and press charges? My heart breaks for them

They are classified by the law as the same man who rapes 3 year olds

 

[Shannon G]

A true sex offender? NEVER!

Now, the 17 year old girl that willingly sleeps with their 18 year old boyfriends for months until the parents catch wind and press charges? My heart breaks for them

They are classified by the law as the same man who rapes 3 year olds

I was going to make a similar comment - under most state laws "sexual offender" is defined very broadly. But a true sexual offender, such as a rapist or child molester - I really don't think so.

 

[cheermom1]

A true sex offender? NEVER!

Now, the 17 year old girl that willingly sleeps with their 18 year old boyfriends for months until the parents catch wind and press charges? My heart breaks for them

They are classified by the law as the same man who rapes 3 year olds

I agree!! I know some this happened too. I also someone else that she and her parents lied to the guy about her age and he still got in trouble ..

 

[MushyMushy]

A true sex offender? NEVER!

Now, the 17 year old girl that willingly sleeps with their 18 year old boyfriends for months until the parents catch wind and press charges? My heart breaks for them

They are classified by the law as the same man who rapes 3 year olds

Yes, this ^ (meaning I agree with this post)

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I was going to make a similar comment - under most state laws "sexual offender" is defined very broadly. But a true sexual offender, such as a rapist or child molester - I really don't think so.

It's a major flaw in the RSO laws. Both the serial rapist and the Romeo & Juliet offenders are required to register, but the two are completely different. While some states will make a differentiation on the person's register page, those notations are encoded and not obviously defined.

 

[stashbin]

No. I don't believe a person who has those types of impulses and desires can be rehabilitated. I don't care how old they are either.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

For the most part, I don't think they can, or want to be rehabilitated. They are sick or evil, and if they are sick, then nothing has been invented to cure it, and there's no cure for evil. I do believe that there have been some who have been able to control their urges, but only the perpetrators know if they can or want to. For the ones who've been caught there are a lot more who haven't.

Having said that, I feel for the decent people who get caught up in this.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I'll say most (I don't like speaking in absolutes) cannot be cured, however with intense therapy I think some can control or stifle their urges and not offend again.

 

[cabanafrau]

It's a major flaw in the RSO laws. Both the serial rapist and the Romeo & Juliet offenders are required to register, but the two are completely different. While some states will make a differentiation on the person's register page, those notations are encoded and not obviously defined.

Absolutely correct. Sometimes the sexual offender locator pages will contain some info. as to what the charge/offense was, but it is definitely a shame when underage kids get caught up in this system and have their lives ruined. That's another form of abuse IMO.

As far as rehabilitation of sex offenders? Not at all likely, even with intensive treatment and extensive monitoring. It is indeed a shame that many/most? were also victims themselves. What that damage wreaks on their psyches is very deep and I'd pretty much say almost impossible to "cure". Most parole boards try to make it their policy to keep convicted sex offenders incarcerated through their maximum out-date if at all possible.

I keep waiting for the straw that breaks the camel's back regarding sexual offenders and their propensity to re-offend. When I really think about that, I'm not sure I have the stomach to even be aware of just what that straw might be to cause the majority to rise up and say, no more. We have to find a better way.