Sex Offender General Information

1) What does SVP mean?
SVP stands for Sexually Violent Predator. SVP is a designation given to some adult convicted sex offenders. In 1999, the General Assembly decided that a small percentage of persons who are convicted of offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior continue to pose enough of a risk to the community that persons in the community should be told when the SVP moves into their neighborhood. SVPs are identified by their crime of conviction and by their performance on a scientific screening instrument. Persons meeting the criteria for SVP must register quarterly with their local law enforcement agency. If an SVP was convicted of an offense on or after 07/01/99, the community may be notified via a Community Notification Meeting and through the use of notification materials developed and approved by the Sex Offender Management Board.

2) If this sex offender is so dangerous, why is he allowed out in the community?
Most SVPs are sentenced to lengthy prison terms, although some SVPs can be released into the community on probation, directly upon sentencing, or on parole, following incarceration and sex offense-specific mental health treatment at the Department of Corrections. This may also mean that the SVP may be granted a work release as a condition of parole or probation. In determining an SVP's risk to the community, the Court or Parole Board considers the professional recommendation of the probation officer or Department of Corrections case manager, and the assessment of sex offense-specific mental health evaluators or treatment providers. If the SVP is determined to be manageable in the community, a recommendation may be made that he/she be supervised by probation or parole. In all cases, the court or Parole Board must make the determination regarding the placement of an SVP.

· The Court or Parole Board makes the final determination regarding the SVP's release into the community.
· As a state, we do not imprison all sex offenders. 65% are released into the community, including those who are supervised by the criminal justice system through probation or parole.
· In Colorado, many SVPs will be subject to our Lifetime Supervision Law, which makes it easier to contain an offender if they demonstrate increased risk.

In case of other sex offenders who are not determined to be SVPs, many are convicted of offenses with determinate sentences, which mean that they have a time limit on their sentence. These offenders may complete their required period of supervision or be released into the community without probation or parole

supervision. Most are required to register as a sex offender with law enforcement.

3) Why aren't communities notified when other types of sex offenders are released?
Communities in Colorado are notified when all convicted sex offenders' move into their jurisdictions, either through the sex offender registry or the community notification process regarding SVPs. The sex offender registry lists all convicted sex offenders who are required to register with local law enforcement in each community. Every citizen has the right to obtain the registry from his or her local law enforcement agency. Colorado law also requires community notification regarding sex offenders who have been assessed to be sexually violent predators, or those who are at highest risk to re-offend. This is accomplished through this community meeting.

4) Isn't it just a matter of time before the SVP commits another crime?
Many sex offenders can be closely monitored for risk behavior while under supervision and treatment. Some can learn through treatment to manage their sexual offender behaviors and decrease their risk of re-offense. However, such behavior management should not be considered a "cure," and treatment cannot permanently eliminate the risk that sex offenders may repeat their offenses.

5) Now that I know a sex offender lives in my community, what should I do differently to protect family and myself?
Read the educational and public safety materials available at the Community Notification Meeting, which offer prevention information regarding sex offenders for you and your family.
· Read the SVP Bulletin to learn more about this specific SVP and any behaviors you should report to law enforcement.
· Support and attend sexual assault prevention programs for yourself and your children.

6) What do I tell my children about this SVP?
In a manner which does not incite panic, instruct your children to avoid all contact with the SVP, even if the SVP's offense of conviction does not involve an offense against a child. Instruct them to avoid being in the vicinity of the SVP's residence or workplace. Review the public safety materials with your children and encourage your child to tell you about any contact with the SVP or any other person who make them feel uncomfortable. It is important to teach your children about appropriate and inappropriate contact and to encourage regular discussion about their interactions with others.

7) How would I know if my child has been sexually victimized?
If you notice behavioral changes or if you suspect that your child has been sexually victimized, contact your local law enforcement agency, Department of Social Services, or Child Advocacy Center immediately. Also, give your child permission to talk to you about things that may be bothering them and encourage them to attend child abuse prevention programs held through schools and community programs.

It is important to remember that though SVPs may pose a risk, they are not the only sex offenders in the community. Other offenders who may be dangerous, but who are not subject to community notification by law, include all un-convicted sex offenders, all sex offenders who offenses were committed prior to July 1, 1999, and many who have not been identified as known sex offenders. Research indicates that a person is most likely to be sexually assaulted by someone they know.

Personal Safety Tips

Please be aware that there are no perfect protection strategies. There is no way to predict all possible situations. These tips are intended to reduce, not eliminate the risk of assault.

· The primary responsibility for any sexual assault rests with the offender and not the victim. Unfortunately, you can take all reasonable measures to reduce your risk and still be assaulted.

· Knowledge is power. Though many sex offenders are NOT known to law enforcement, you can educate yourself about those known offenders who reside in the community by contacting the Lakewood Police Department.

· Remember that most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. The stranger does not pose the highest risk to you. 78-90% of sex offenders are known to their victims and include relatives, friends, and authority figures. If you feel uncomfortable in someone's presence, trust your instincts and take steps to distance yourself from him or her. Don't be afraid to make a scene if necessary. Tell someone!

· Societal myths are beliefs that contribute to the continuation of sexual assault and abuse. Understand the current rape myths and help debunk these myths for others.

· Avoid high-risk situations. Be observant and aware of your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit areas where an attacker might hide. Identify safe people in your neighborhood that you or your children can go to if your need help. Be thoughtful and use good judgment in choosing your friends and partners. Be careful of your use of alcohol and drugs; you are more vulnerable to attack if you are intoxicated. Do not leave your food or drink unattended at a party or in a public place. Don't be embarrassed to use security staff at work or when shopping to walk you to your car. Do not pick up hitchhikers or stop to help a stranger in a stalled vehicle; use a phone in a safe location to call for help. Be cautious about making personal contact with those you meet on the Internet or in other similar environments.

· Do not harass the offender. The purpose behind community notification is to reduce the chances of future victimization of persons by this offender. The information presented through this notification should assist you and your family in avoiding situations that allow easy victimization. Initiating contact with the sexually violent predator can increase the risk of you or your family being victimized or may drive the offender underground, placing others at greater risk.

What Can I Tell My Children?

· Avoid scary details. You know more than your child needs to know. Use language that is honest and age-appropriate (e.g., "there are people who do bad things to children"). Include general information, as this may protect them from others who would try to harm them as well. If your child is likely to have contact with the sexually violent predator or other registered sex offenders, you should show your child the sex offender's photo. Instruct them to avoid contact with the offender and encourage them to tell you if he or she initiates any contact. In general, all supervised sex offenders are prohibited from initiating any contact with children, and any contact should be reported to the supervising officer.

· Teach your child. DON"T take rides from strangers; DON'T harass or visit any sex offender's home or yard; DO tell a safe adult if anyone acts inappropriately toward them (e.g., creepy, too friendly, threatening, offering gifts in a secret way, or touching them); DO RUN, SCREAM, and GET AWAY if someone is bothering them; DON'T keep secrets; DON'T assist strangers; DON'T go places alone; DO ask questions and DO talk about any uncomfortable feelings or interactions.

· Make it a habit to LISTEN to your children and to believe them. If a child listened to and believed about small everyday things, they are more likely to share the big scary things with you. Be sensitive to changes in your child's behavior. Pay attention to your child's feelings and thoughts.

· Role-play safety with your child. Act out scenarios of various dangerous situations and teach them how to respond (e.g., home alone and someone comes to the door; separated from Mom in the toy store and a man comes up to talk to them; or chatting on the Internet and they are asked for their home address).

Sex Offender Characteristics

· Most offenders commit multiple crimes against multiple types of victims with whom they have varying types of relationships (adults, children, male, female, known, and unknown). This behavior is known as crossover.

· Sex offenders rarely commit just one type of offense. Many offenders have NO criminal history or sex crime history of any kind.

· There is no such thing as a "typical" sex offender; however, all tend to be manipulative, deceptive, and secretive. Sex offenders come from all backgrounds, ages, income levels, and professions.

· The majority of offenses (78-90%) are committed by someone the victim knows.

· Sexual deviancy often begins in mid to late adolescence (Abel 1995).

· Sex offenders do not usually commit their crimes impulsively. They usually employ careful planning and preliminary steps that, if interrupted, can prevent an actual crime (CSOM).

· The vast majority of sex offenders are male; only 20% of child sex offenses are committed by women (ATSA 1996).

Facts & Statistics About Sex Offending

· In 1994, there were estimated 234,000 convicted sex offenders in the United States.

· There are approximately 3,500 sex offenders in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC); this number includes 35 sex offenders on Lifetime Supervision.

· There are approximately 350 sex offenders on parole in Colorado, which accounts for approximately 8% of DOC population.

· There are approximately 2,200 sex offenders on probation in Colorado (this figure includes 27 sex offenders on Lifetime Supervision).

· Each year, approximately 65% of persons convicted of sex offenses are placed on probation, 35% in prison, and a small percentage go to community corrections programs.

· Most victims of sexual assault do not become sex offenders.

· In the first year of Community Notification Program, 16 sexually violent predators were identified and 15 were sentenced to DOC.

· Offenders may be caught for one type of sex offense and be at a high risk for another type.

· Conviction of a crime is only one indicator of risk. Risk assessment always includes consideration of multiple factors.

· The majority of sex offenders are not caught or detected.

· Less than 16% of sexual assaults are ever reported to law enforcement.

· 1998 Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Study is an ongoing telephone survey which showed:

- 1 in 150 women and 1 in 830 men in Colorado had experienced a completed or attempted sexual assault in the past 12 months.

- Approximately 16% of these assaults were reported to police.

- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 17 men in Colorado had experienced a completed or attempted sexual assault in their lifetime.

Impact on Victims of Sex Offenses

· Overwhelming experiences such as sexual assault or abuse create significant stress responses.

· There are many different responses to trauma that victims of sexual assault can exhibit. Generally, people respond to trauma in one of two ways, expressed and/or controlled. The same person may experience both reactions at different times:

- Victims experiencing the expressed response may be crying, visibly frightened or angry, otherwise very emotional. They may talk about what happened to them, sometimes over and over again. They may attempt to process the violation and pain they have experienced by expressing extreme fear or anger. Another reaction may be to attempt to protect themselves against further harm by keeping others at a distance either verbally or physically. These are normal protective behaviors in response to abnormal life events.

- Victims experiencing the controlled response tend to be very quiet and tense. It may be a tremendous effort to answer questions or to even give simple one-word answers. They are responding to trauma by conserving their energy and pulling inward. They may experience feelings of numbness or extreme emotions of terror or anger inside, but not exhibiting it on the outside. It may appear they are not being cooperative with helpers around them; however, they are simply coping with the trauma the best way they know how.

- Either reaction or a combination of both reactions is normal. One reaction is not more "credible" than another!

· Sexual trauma inflicted by a known perpetrator tends to create a more difficult recovery than sexual trauma inflicted by a stranger. The victim must also deal with betrayal by someone they have formerly trusted.

· Sexual trauma can create post-traumatic stress disorder or other clinical reactions. Nearly 1/3 of all rape victims develop rape-related PTSD according to the National Center for Victims of Crime.

· Long term damage to the victim may take the form of some or all of the following symptoms: depression, chronic anxiety, feeling of dissociation (not feeling connected to oneself), flashbacks to the traumatic event, avoidance of anything that reminds them of the traumatic event, intrusive thoughts, relationship disruptions such as increased conflict or divorce, loss or diminishment of sexual interest or responsiveness, loss of concentration, heightened fears, chronic sleeping or eating problems, exaggerated startle response, irritability, suicidal thoughts, a diminished interest in living and an inability to enjoy previously enjoyed life activities.

· Male victims of sexual assault and abuse are more likely to develop antisocial disorders and substance abuse problems.

· Female victims are more likely to develop depression and substance abuse problems.

· The above-mentioned responses are minimized and recovery is enhanced when a victim is believed and supported and has access to victim advocacy and treatment services.

· Many social myths continue to support the act of rape. The most common myths (or sociocultural misconceptions) about rape are:

- (Myth) She asked for it. (Reality) No woman asks to be raped or sexually assaulted. The victim's behavior or appearance is not the issue in question. Consent is the issue.

- (Myth) It can't happen to me. (Reality) Anyone is a potential victim, irrespective of age, race, educational background, or income level.

- (Myth) The primary motive for rape is sex. (Reality) Power, anger, and control are the motives for rape - not sex.

- (Myth) Rape occurs only among strangers. (Reality) Only 22% of rape cases involve strangers. The rest - 78% are committed by individuals the victim knows well - a spouse, father, boyfriend, relative, friend, or neighbor.

- (Myth) Rape does not happen in marriages. (Reality) One aspect of domestic violence is martial rape. When a spouse is forced or coerced into having sex, it is rape.

- (Myth) No woman can be forced to have sex against her will. (Reality) A woman can be coerced by physical force or threat of injury or death. Almost half of all rape victims fear serious injury or death during a rape.

- (Myth) Most rape victims suffer visible physical injuries during an attack. (Reality) The fact is that over two-thirds of rape victims fearing injury or death do not resist an attack and, hence, do not sustain any bruises, marks, or other visible injuries.

- (Myth) A woman who says "no" usually means "yes." (Reality) "No" means no. Nonconsensual sex is rape.

· It is rare that an individual files a false report of rape or abuse. In fact, it is estimated that less than 16% of all sexual assaults are ever reported. Reporting an assault can be humiliating and difficult.

Community Sex Offender Management

· Most convicted sex offenders in Colorado are subject to the supervision of a criminal justice agency, either probation, parole, or community corrections.

· Colorado Statute and the Sex Offender Management Board state that sex offenders are dangerous, in recognition of the harm they cause and their risk to re-offend. They also indicate that sexual offending is a behavioral disorder that cannot be "cured."

· According to the Sex Offender Management Board, community safety is paramount and comes before the needs of the offender. Community safety means that the primary goal is to prevent the offender from victimizing any other person.

· While sex offenders cannot be cured, it is believed that some can be managed. The combination of comprehensive treatment and carefully structured and monitored behavioral supervision conditions may assist some sex offenders to develop internal controls for their behaviors.

· In Colorado, the system used to manage sex offenders who are placed in the community is called the Containment Approach. In order to best protect the public, sex offenders are never managed by an individual person, rather they are managed by community supervision teams consisting of supervising criminal justice officers (probation, parole officer or community corrections), polygraph examiners and treatment providers. Supervising officers set conditions for the offender, monitor their behavior, and can impose sanctions for infractions. Treatment providers gather information about the offender, assist with monitoring and administering a long-term comprehensive set of planned therapeutic interventions designed to change sexually abusive thoughts and behaviors. The polygraph examiner assist in gathering a full and accurate history of the offender's behavior and monitors current compliance with conditions and risk behaviors.

· Sex offenders must waive confidentiality for evaluation, treatment, supervision, and case management purposes. All members of the team managing and treating each offender must have access to the same relevant information. Sex offenses are committed in secret, and all forms of secrecy potentially undermine the rehabilitation of sex offenders and threaten public safety. This approach has been identified through research to be the best way to manage adult convicted sex offenders in the community.

· Successful containment, treatment, and management of sex offenders is enhanced by the involvement of family, friends, employers, and others who have influence in sex offenders' lives, when these people are willing to support the conditions and requirements of the criminal justice system.

· Assignment to community supervision is a privilege, and sex offenders must be completely accountable for their behavior. They must agree to intensive and sometimes intrusive accountability measures that enable them to remain in the community rather than in prison. They must learn to be accountable to maintain the privilege of remaining under community supervision.

The above statistics and educational information was provided by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board.

Child Sexual Abuse - What Parents Need to Know

1. Talking to your child before an assault happens is the best prevention:
· Children are best protected by giving them the knowledge and skills necessary for their safety.
· Let your child know that safety rules apply to all adults including family members.
· Encourage your child to tell someone about secrets that are making her/him feel bad.
· Let your child know that you are available to talk and listen. Allow your child to share thoughts and listen closely to what they are telling you.
· Help your child understand who they can trust. Talk with your child about this and listen to their input.
· Tell your child that if someone touches her/him to tell and keep telling until someone listens.
· Instilling a sense of strong self-esteem in your child may help your child avoid feelings of responsibility and guilt if they are victimized.
· Open sexual communication at home can make it easier for children to disclose sexual abuse by minimizing discomfort.
· A child is never to blame for the abuse. Children cannot prevent abuse, only the offender can.

2. Knowing perpetrator tactics and how a child may react can help you detect sexual abuse:
· Offenders may threaten to hurt the child or a family member of the child if they tell anyone about the abuse. This is common regardless of whether the perpetrator is a family member, friend, acquaintance or stranger.
· A child often feels that she/he is to blame for the abuse. The offender may reinforce this by using guilt tactics on the child.
· Offenders often follow up abusive incidents with treats or gifts for the child. This is very confusing for the child and may make her/him feel guilty for accepting the gifts and/or for feeling bad about the abuse.
· Be aware if your child talks a lot about a particular adult or older person.
· Be aware of individuals (family member, friend, neighbor) who spend an inordinate amount of time with your child.
· It is common for a child to deny that abuse happened when it did or tell about the abuse and then recant their original statement. There is little evidence that children make false allegations of abuse.

3. Responding appropriately when your child is victimized can make all the different in her/his healing process:
· If you think abuse is going on, act on that feeling or instinct.
· Believe your child when they tell.
· Don't force a child to talk or stop talking about the abuse. Allow them to go at their own pace. Be patient.
· Remind your child how strong she/he was for telling about the abuse.
· Getting your child involved with a support group of peer survivors can help eliminate feelings of isolation.
· Get support for you and your child, this is a very difficult issue for any one person to handle.

Child Sexual Abuse Information

Sexual Abuse Includes

- Fondling or touching the child's private parts.
- Forcing the child to touch another's private parts.
- Exposing children to adult sexual activity.
- Exposing children to pornographic materials.
- Having children perform in pornographic movies.
- Having children posing for pornographic materials.
- Sexual intercourse.

Statistics

- 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before age 18.
- 85% of child sexual abuse is committed by relatives, close family friends, or an adult that the child knows and/or trusts.
- The median age that girls and boys are sexually abused is 9 years old.

Teaching Personal Safety Rules

- Include personal safety rules around sexual abuse in your conversations about fire, traffic, and bike safety.
- Discuss with children the difference between safe and unsafe touches. The key here is that they get to decide what feels safe and what feels unsafe.
- Teach children about private parts of their body and the proper names for all their private parts (private parts include mouth, chest, genitals or the area between their legs, and their bottom).
- Let children know that safety rules apply to all adults, not just strangers (this includes family members, friends, older kids, babysitters, etc.).
- Let children know that abuse is never their fault even if they don't follow the safety rules or are doing something that is against the rules when the abuse occurs.
- Let children know that their body belongs to them and it is not okay for another person to touch their private parts. Address exceptions to this rule and why there is a difference (medical exams, help with bathing or going to the bathroom, etc.).
- Teach children that it is okay to say NO if someone tries to touch their body or makes them do things that feel uncomfortable, no matter who the person is (this includes family members, friends, older kids, babysitters, etc.).
- Teach children to not keep secrets about touching or bad feelings no matter what the person said would happen if the child told.
- Teach children about the difference between a secret and a surprise.
- Talk to children about how to identify a safe adult for them to talk to if someone touches them. Encourage children to tell and keep telling until an adult does something to help them.

Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

- Excessive clinging or crying.
- Sleep disturbances, nightmares.
- Fear of particular adults or places.
- Bedwetting.
- Problems at school.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Change in eating habits.
- Frequent touching of or preoccupation with private parts.
- Unexplained pain, irritation, bleeding of mouth or private parts.
- Any unexplained changes in behavior or development of new behaviors.

How to Support a Child Who is Abused

- Listen to and believe the child when he/she discloses sexual abuse.
- Reassure the child that her/his safety is important to you.
- Assure the child that he/she is not to blame for the abuse.
- Remember that how you respond to the child is critical to her/his ability to deal with the trauma of abuse, try not to overreact.
- Don't pressure the child to talk (or stop talking) about the abuse; allow the child to talk at her/his own pace.
- Get appropriate medical attention for the child.
- Get support for the child, family members, and yourself; this is a very difficult issue for any one person to handle.

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