Naming and Shaming

I just ran across another new link offering absolutely FREE access to public databases in the United States to locate the names and addresses of convicted sex offenders and invoking the inevitable paranoia of not knowing if a neighbour or schoolteacher is listed.  Of course, not every state provides this information and residents of Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont are urged to call their lawmakers to resolve this terrible state of affairs.  The fact that public databases such as this have been used by at least one vigilante to kil sex offenders is something that is either ignored or applauded.  The term sex offender is a broad one covering a whole range of offending but it inevitably invokes the mental picture of the trenchcoat-wearing pervert stalking schoolyards and waiting to abduct children.  The fact that most of those who offend against children are those who are known and trusted by parents: teachers, scout leaders, pastors, neighbours, or even members of the family tends to be ignored.  There is this sad belief that all that is needed is to chase known sex offenders out of a given neigbhourhood to make it safe for children to which parents seem to cling.  Unfortunately, there are no safe places anywhere and it is a parent's job to stay vigilant, always. 

Speaking as a Canadian psychologist who deals with sex offenders, I have to say that I am profoundly glad that public information such as this is not available in Canada (although there are those who agitate for it).  Part of the task of rehabilitating sex offenders is to place them in the community where they can hold down jobs and interact with family and friends who act as a safety net to keep them from reoffending.  Chasing a sex offender out of a neighbourhood deprives them of the very social support that keeps them from being a danger to those around them.  There is nothing praiseworthy about chasing away a sex offender if it means putting someone else's children at greater risk.  Despite this basic point, naming and shaming campaigns will likely continue and will likely remain counterproductive.