Organization
Following is a preview of the content of each of the sections:
Section 1: What Community Members Need to Know about Sexual Assault and Sex
Offenders
This section provides basic information about the incidence and prevalence of sexual assault and attempts to replace some of the common myths about sexual assault with concise, research-based information. In the process it seeks to reduce individuals' fears about sexual assault and to equip them with information to help reduce the likelihood that they or their children will become victims of sexual assault.
Section 2: Conducting a Community Notification
This section provides a basic agenda for a multi-disciplinary team to follow when conducting a community notification. It needs to be tailored by the inclusion of information about local statutes and practices regarding notification. It also suggests topics that should be covered—including cautions about vigilantism and harassment of offenders—as context for the notification.
Section 3: Managing Sex Offenders
This section provides information about the number of sex offenders who—despite tougher sentencing practices—are in the community, both on and off probation/parole supervision. Given this information, a rationale is developed for the need for a specialized approach to the supervision of sex offenders in the community. This section outlines emerging practices around the nation that are proving effective in the management of sex offenders.
Section 4: The Role of the Community
This section outlines the ways in which community members can participate in a comprehensive approach to managing sex offenders in the community and in a broader effort to prevent sexual assault.
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