Still a taboo
In November, nearly 75 percent of California voters cast a yes
vote in favor of proposition 83. In San Benito, the percentage in
favor of the law
– which allows paroled sex offenders to be monitored after their
release from prison – echoed that of the state.
Still a taboo
In November, nearly 75 percent of California voters cast a yes vote in favor of proposition 83. In San Benito, the percentage in favor of the law – which allows paroled sex offenders to be monitored after their release from prison – echoed that of the state.
The passing of the proposition – which has unknown fiscal consequences – showed that people are scared of sex offenders and sexual assault.
So it is no surprise that the San Benito County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new software program called Offenderwatch that allows residents to register their home address in order to receive immediate e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves into the neighborhood.
But the truth is monitoring and registration programs can only do so much to protect us and our families. And in some ways they are a distraction from dealing with the issue closer to home.
One in six women living in the United States has been a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault – many of them before the age of 18. Think of your best friends, family and co-workers – there is someone in that group who has already been a victim. As many as two-thirds of assaults are committed by someone the victim knows – a friend, a relative, a neighbor.
While programs and propositions such as the ones that target sex offenders might help parents feel safe, there is something more they can do to empower themselves and their children.
Parents need to broach the still taboo subject of sex with their children – and they need to do it when their children are young. Children can protect themselves when they understand their bodies and what is and is not appropriate touching. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, a national advocacy group, offers tips for parents on how to talk to their children that can go a lot farther than tracking the latest sex offender in the neighborhood.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller hit a strong note when he said he would rather teach his family safety techniques than be notified when a registered sex offender moves into the neighborhood.
It makes for an uncomfortable and awkward conversation, sure, but if it keeps a child from the lifelong battle with low self-esteem, depression and anxiety that often comes with sexual victimization isn’t it worth the trouble?
