One thought on “BJS fuels myths about sex offense recidivism, contradicting its own new data”
Note that the BJS report defines “sex offenders” to be those convicted of rape or sexual assault. Other non-violent, e.g. pornography, sex offenses are included in the category for public-order offenders. This is a nuance many readers might miss.
The report’s continued use of the term sex offender will lead many to assume the 7.7% rate applied to those who have been incarcerated for any sex offense. In reality, the overall recidivism rate for all sex offenders is much lower.
Note that the BJS report defines “sex offenders” to be those convicted of rape or sexual assault. Other non-violent, e.g. pornography, sex offenses are included in the category for public-order offenders. This is a nuance many readers might miss.
The report’s continued use of the term sex offender will lead many to assume the 7.7% rate applied to those who have been incarcerated for any sex offense. In reality, the overall recidivism rate for all sex offenders is much lower.