exerpts from Unprecedented pp 36-61
p36
Not long ago drug addicts and alcoholics were considered unredeemable lepers. Having seen many overcome their addictions, society is now more understanding towards those struggling with drugs and alcohol, especially those trying to change. Foundations are being restored as individuals and families find hope through a process of personal and social reform. We hope sex offenders and their families will receive this same opportunity to embrace change and mercy sometime in the near future.
p36
The truth is that those labeled. and those who are, sex offenders are very human. They are our family members - fathers. brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, uncles, friends, and neighbors - and many have made terrible choices and caused immeasurable harm. Who of us can say that they have no regrets or haven't been held captive by the shame of their secrets? Truth is, given the opportunity, tools and encouragement, sex offenders can change if they want to. Those who don't want to change are genuinely deceived about themselves, others and the sanctity of life.
p37
The impact that sexual offending and it's related consequences are having upon our nation are astronomical and damaging, not only financially, but more importantly, to the integrity of the very fabric of our society. Tougher laws can create more elusive offenders and, most importantly, can make incest victims choose to endure the pain of being abused by a family member rather than seeking help at the expense of their family and their future. If we as a society continue to throw more laws and restrictions at this problem, choosing to remain retributive rather than restorative, we will bind ourselves and our loved ones in chains of our own making.
p 42
Myth #5 "Treatment for sex offenders in ineffective."
Treatment programs can contribute to community safely because those who attend and cooperate with program conditions are less likely to re-offend than those who reject intervention. A leading expert in the field states, "
child sexual abuse is a treatable problem..."Anna Salter, Treating Child Sex Offenders and Victims; A Practical Guide, Sage Publications, Inc, 1988,p.67.
A 15-year study concluded "more than 80% of sex offenders who have undergone treatment do not re-offend within 15 years." The State of Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT) quotes the December 2002 publication of Psychiatry News in an article titled, "Sex Offender Recidivism Rate Below Expectations."
The majority of sex offender treatment programs in the United States and Canada now use a combination of cognitive-behavioral treatment and relapse prevention designed to help sex offenders maintain behavioral changes by anticipating and coping with the problem of relapse.
p60 Some families break up to break out of the cycle of abuse
Some families choose to break up to escape the circle of abuse believing that if the destructive behavior is stopped that everthing will be all right. But it's not! Both the victim and offender will continue to stuggle without professsional help. The untreated sex offender is likely to continue down the road of destructin and leave more victims in his wake. Without receiving treatment, the victim(s) will more than likely lead a life punctuated with internal conflict and damaging relationships. Not to mention, untreated victims face an increased risk of becoming abusers themselves.
p 61 New Name Ministry
Working in a ministry that provides housing to former sex offenders, we've heard and seen a lot. Most families are concerned about having their loved one live with them because they fear their address being published on the registry and the potential fallout from their neighbors. A lot of families couldn't have their loved ones live with them even if they wanted because they live too close to a child safety zone like a school, daycare or park. Residency restrictions break families up. Some extended families don't want to have anything to do withe the registered sex offender relative! This is sad, especially for those former sex offenders who have genuinely repented and are willing to walk through the process of restoration and reconciliation. Some former sex offenders have no family left at all and deeply appreciate the support and encouragement of a new family offered through our ministry.
Not long ago drug addicts and alcoholics were considered unredeemable lepers. Having seen many overcome their addictions, society is now more understanding towards those struggling with drugs and alcohol, especially those trying to change. Foundations are being restored as individuals and families find hope through a process of personal and social reform. We hope sex offenders and their families will receive this same opportunity to embrace change and mercy sometime in the near future.
p36
The truth is that those labeled. and those who are, sex offenders are very human. They are our family members - fathers. brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, uncles, friends, and neighbors - and many have made terrible choices and caused immeasurable harm. Who of us can say that they have no regrets or haven't been held captive by the shame of their secrets? Truth is, given the opportunity, tools and encouragement, sex offenders can change if they want to. Those who don't want to change are genuinely deceived about themselves, others and the sanctity of life.
p37
The impact that sexual offending and it's related consequences are having upon our nation are astronomical and damaging, not only financially, but more importantly, to the integrity of the very fabric of our society. Tougher laws can create more elusive offenders and, most importantly, can make incest victims choose to endure the pain of being abused by a family member rather than seeking help at the expense of their family and their future. If we as a society continue to throw more laws and restrictions at this problem, choosing to remain retributive rather than restorative, we will bind ourselves and our loved ones in chains of our own making.
p 42
Myth #5 "Treatment for sex offenders in ineffective."
Treatment programs can contribute to community safely because those who attend and cooperate with program conditions are less likely to re-offend than those who reject intervention. A leading expert in the field states, "
child sexual abuse is a treatable problem..."Anna Salter, Treating Child Sex Offenders and Victims; A Practical Guide, Sage Publications, Inc, 1988,p.67.
A 15-year study concluded "more than 80% of sex offenders who have undergone treatment do not re-offend within 15 years." The State of Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment (CSOT) quotes the December 2002 publication of Psychiatry News in an article titled, "Sex Offender Recidivism Rate Below Expectations."
The majority of sex offender treatment programs in the United States and Canada now use a combination of cognitive-behavioral treatment and relapse prevention designed to help sex offenders maintain behavioral changes by anticipating and coping with the problem of relapse.
p60 Some families break up to break out of the cycle of abuse
Some families choose to break up to escape the circle of abuse believing that if the destructive behavior is stopped that everthing will be all right. But it's not! Both the victim and offender will continue to stuggle without professsional help. The untreated sex offender is likely to continue down the road of destructin and leave more victims in his wake. Without receiving treatment, the victim(s) will more than likely lead a life punctuated with internal conflict and damaging relationships. Not to mention, untreated victims face an increased risk of becoming abusers themselves.
p 61 New Name Ministry
Working in a ministry that provides housing to former sex offenders, we've heard and seen a lot. Most families are concerned about having their loved one live with them because they fear their address being published on the registry and the potential fallout from their neighbors. A lot of families couldn't have their loved ones live with them even if they wanted because they live too close to a child safety zone like a school, daycare or park. Residency restrictions break families up. Some extended families don't want to have anything to do withe the registered sex offender relative! This is sad, especially for those former sex offenders who have genuinely repented and are willing to walk through the process of restoration and reconciliation. Some former sex offenders have no family left at all and deeply appreciate the support and encouragement of a new family offered through our ministry.
Replies
Jackie, I find your journal entries very helpful. I will have to check out this book myself. Thank you for sharing this.
I\'m going to have to read this book it sounds interesting.