Safety Tips - Things to Know
Facts About Sex Offenders
- In 2003, there were approximately 455,000 registered sex
offenders in the United States.
- Most sex offenders (80-95%) assault people they know.
- At least half of convicted child molesters report that they also
have sexually assaulted an adult.
- Over 80% of convicted adult rapists report that they have
molested children.
- Approximately one-third of sex offenders report assaulting both
males and females. Research shows that most convicted sex
offenders have committed many, many assaults before they
are caught.
- Most sex offenders report that they have committed multiple
types of sexual assault (sexual assault crimes include
exhibitionism, voyeurism, oral sex, vaginal penetration,
attempted penetration, fondling, and incest)
- Over two-thirds of offenders who reported committing incest
also said they assaulted victims outside the family.
- Some studies of victims have shown less than 30% of sex
crimes are reported to law enforcement.
- Young victims who know or are related to the perpetrator are
least likely to report the crime to authorities.
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 official criminal record 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 (80 - 95%) are committed by
someone the victim knows.
- Sexual deviancy often begins in adolescence.
- Sex offenders usually do not commit their crimes impulsively.
They usually carefully plan their crimes.
- Approximately 4% of sexual assaults are committed by women.
This information is meant to educate you about offenders in
Calloway County. It has not been made available for you to
take action against any individual. Any action against an
offender which is determined to be a violation of law will
subject the violator to arrest and prosecution.