PreventionParents and other adults have the most important role in keeping children safe. The ability of adults to protect children increases by having accurate information about who offenders are and what they are like. A common point of view in our society is that because offenders have done something monstrous, therefore they are monsters. The mistake in this thinking is that then we believe that someone we like couldn't be a danger. Many offenders are likeable people with good parts to them. Many offenders are very good at gaining the trust of both children and the adults close to them. Adults need to protect boys as well as girls. Though more victims who report being sexually abused are females, when offenders are asked whom they have abused, they report close to the same number of male victims as female. Children can be given information that helps keep them safe without including information about sex they are not ready for. Teach children that no one can touch or look at their private parts unless it is to keep them clean, safe or healthy, and it is NOT A SECRET. Treatment for offenders may also prevent abuse. An offender who can take responsibility for his/her behavior, learn to empathize with others, and develop self esteem is less likely to abuse again. Some offenders admit what they did, and work hard in treatment to make changes and not hurt others. Making it impossible for offenders to find jobs, live in the community, and have any social acceptance as human beings works against these changes, and makes our community less safe. "Some sex offenders do want to change but in the hopelessness of the isolation that their behavior has brought about they see no way out. It is important for the public to understand and accept the idea that with appropriate treatment, some of those who have sexually offended can change, they can heal." (Quote from sex offender.) - Ellen Crosby, LCSW Treatment provider for victims and offenders Resources R.E.A.C.H. (Rape Education and Crisis Hotline) Oxford County 1-800-871-7741 Bridgton and Harrison 1-800-213-6937 Call 911, or your local Police Department: Bethel Bridgton Dixfield Fryeburg Mexico 824-3437 647-3663 562-4517 935-3323 364-5686 Norway 743-5303 Oxford 539-4414 Rumford 364-4551 S. Paris 743-7448 SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY Oxford County Sheriff's Office 743-9554 Maine State Police 657-3030 or 1-800-228-0857 Probation: Wayne Sturtevant (S. Paris) 744-0223 Mike Downs (Rumford) 364-3012 Dave Edwards (Bridgton) 647-8937 District Attorney's Office and Victim Witness Advocate 743-8282 Registry: E-mail -
[email protected] Website - http://sor.informe.org/sor/ 207-624-7270; TDD 207-624-4478 Sex Offender Registry Stale Bureau of Identification 45 Commerce Drive, Suite #1 42 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0042 Office hrs. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maine Department of Corrections (DOC): information for victims of crimes http://www.maine.gov/corrections/FAQ.htm information about inmates National Sex Offender Registry: www.nsopr.gov www.familywatchdog.us/ ...and COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION Including how to access information and resources, prevention, and specific information pertaining to children R.E.A.C.H. (Rape Education and Crisis Hotline) What is Community Notification? The purpose of community notification is to provide information to help ensure public safety. The process involves law enforcement and, at times, sexual assault advocates, speaking to the public about a sex offender's release from prison. Notification may also happen when an offender moves, visits or goes to school or work in a community. Communities are not notified of all sex offenders being released, as notification is based on the risk level an individual poses to a community, and at the discretion of law enforcement. Community members who harass, threaten, damage property or use physical violence against a person because they are identified as a sex offender are subject to arrest and prosecution for criminal acts. Prevention Parents and other adults have the most important role in keeping children safe. The ability of adults to protect children increases by having accurate information about who offenders are and what they are like. A common point of view in our society is that because offenders have done something monstrous, therefore they are monsters. The mistake in this thinking is that then we believe that someone we like couldn't be a danger. Many offenders are likeable people with good parts to them. Many offenders are very good at gaining the trust of both children and the adults close to them. Adults need to protect boys as well as girls. Though more victims who report being sexually abused are females, when offenders are asked whom they have abused, they report close to the same number of male victims as female. Children can be given information that helps keep them safe without including information about sex they are not ready for. Teach children that no one can touch or look at their private parts unless it is to keep them clean, safe or healthy, and it is NOT A SECRET. Treatment for offenders may also prevent abuse. An offender who can take responsibility for his/her behavior, learn to empathize with others, and develop self esteem is less likely to abuse again. Some offenders admit what they did, and work hard in treatment to make changes and not hurt others. Making it impossible for offenders to find jobs, live in the community, and have any social acceptance as human beings works against these changes, and makes our community less safe. "Some sex offenders do want to change but in the hopelessness of the isolation that their behavior has brought about they see no way out. It is important for the public to understand and accept the idea that with appropriate treatment, some of those who have sexually offended can change, they can heal." (Quote from sex offender.) - Ellen Crosby, LCSW Treatment provider for victims and offenders 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, generally by someone they know. 1 in 4 victims of sexual assault, under the age of 12, is male. Individual Notification The Victim Notification Law applies to victims of Class A, B or C (felony) crimes. A* victim who wishes to receive notification must file a written request with the office of the prosecuting attorney. A victim's request is kept confidential. A victim will be notified PRIOR to work release, furlough, or release from confinement REACH has a library to assist parents, and can also provide consultation and education to individuals and groups Who is a Sex Offender? An individual who has been convicted of a specific crime that involves sexual touching, sexual contact, sexual acts, or other behaviors of a sexual nature is labeled a sex offender. Additional information can be obtained on the website by typing in your name and address: Any aliases of the individual Street address Sex, race, height, weight, age, eye color Statutory description of the criminal offense, date convicted and sentence imposed Past criminal history of sexual assaults The Registry does not specify whether or not the offender: Can be around children Has probation conditions, if on probation Took responsibility for their crime Is receiving treatment Is currently living with their family. What is the Sex Offender Registry and who is on the Registry? A listing of adults, and juveniles sentenced as adults, who have been convicted of specific sexual assault crimes from a set date are on the Registry. A registrant is required to notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in those areas where the registrant is domiciled, resides, works, or attends school within 24 hours. The Registry web site, http://sor.informe.org/sor/ is maintained by the Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI), and is intended to provide the public with information concerning registered offenders currently within Maine. If any registrant changes domicile, residence, place of employment or school, the registrant must give new information to SBI in writing within five days, and shall notify law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within 24 hours. Is there a law prohibiting registrants from living near a school, day care or playground? As of September 2009, towns may only prohibit residence by a sex offender, who sexually abused a child under 14 years of age, up to a maximum distance of 750 feet surrounding schools or town-owned property where children are the primary users. This ordinance may not restrict the residence of a person who lived in a restricted area, prior to the adoption or amendment of the ordinance. In those cases in which the registrant's sentence includes probation, there may be special conditions regarding where the registrant can live. Sex Offenders and our children In 9 out of 10 cases, a child is sexually abused by someone they know and often trust. For this reason it is imperative that children are made aware of personal safety skills: being able to speak up, getting away from a possibly unsafe situation, and telling trusted adults. The Prohibited Contact with a Minor Law (2007) does NOT allow unauthorized contact by certain sex offenders who were convicted of sexual assault offenses against children under the age of 14 on or after June 30, 1992. This law sets up "Sex Offender Restricted Zones," which applies to most public and private spaces where children are the primary users. Is there anything I can do if I know information on Registry is wrong or not current? Yes. The public can call, write or email the Registry Office directly. (See Resources in this brochure for contact information.) An individual can also contact law enforcement, as recently certain officers have been granted access to sex offender verification. What if I do not find the name I am looking for? The individual may still be incarcerated Required registration period has been completed The crime the individual was convicted of does not require registration The individual is a new registrant and registration is in process There has been a court order ending the individual's requirement to register Person was charged/plea bargained with assault not a sexual assault crime Person may have moved out of state. What information can be found on the Registry? Once you get to the web site, type in the person's name, city or town you are searching for, and you will access the following information: Name, individual's photo, birth date Residence (town/state) Place of employment Sexual Assault conviction(s) The Registry does not specify whether or not the offender: Can be around children Has probation conditions, if on probation Took responsibility for their crime Is receiving treatment Is currently living with their family. Types of crimes requiring registration: There are a wide variety of crimes that require registration. Victims of these crimes include both adults (age 18 and over) and minors (under the age of 18). Individuals can be mandated to register for 10 years or for life, depending on the nature of their crime. Is there anything I can do if I know information on Registry is wrong or not current? Yes. The public can call, write or email the Registry Office directly. (See Resources in this brochure for contact information.) An individual can also contact law enforcement, as recently certain officers have been granted access to sex offender verification. Crimes that are designated as a "sex offense" require a person to register for 10 years. These include specific sections under: Gross Sexual Assault Sexual Abuse of a Minor Unlawful Sexual Contact Visual Sexual Aggression Against a Child Sexual Misconduct with a Child Under 14 Solicitation of Child by Computer to Commit a Prohibited Act Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Dissemination/Possession of Sexually Explicit Material (involving children) Kidnapping (unless by parent) Criminal Restraint (unless by parent) Violation of Privacy Incest Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution Patronizing Prostitution of Minor. What if I do not find the name I am looking for? The individual may still be incarcerated Required registration period has been completed The crime the individual was convicted of does not require registration The individual is a new registrant and registration is in process There has been a court order ending the individual's requirement to register Person was charged/plea bargained with assault not a sexual assault crime Person may have moved out of state. Crimes determined to be "sexually violent" require lifetime registration. These include specific sections involving threats, force, children under 14, or vulnerable individuals due to mental disability, substance impairment, or unconsciousness. Gross Sexual Assault Unlawful Sexual Contact.