The purpose of this edited volume is to examine the disconnect in the sexual violence prevention field between legislation, research and practice.  The work is focused primarily on United States policies and initiatives, with key case studies internationally. Contributions show that current policies are mainly based on repeat offenders: residence restrictions, registration and notification statutes, and post-sentence initiatives. While these initiatives address public fears, they are not evidence-based and do not necessarily reduce offending.

Research shows that post-sentence policies may destabilize offenders and limit their ability to reintegrate with society at a critical period, therefore increasing the chances of recidivism. Furthermore, the majority of sex crimes (95%) are committed by first time offenders. This innovative book is divided into two parts juxtaposing what is currently being done legislatively with what the research evidence suggests would be best practice.

Elizabeth Jeglic is a Professor of Psychology at John Jay College.  Her research interests include evidence based sex offender legislation, and sex offender assessment and treatment.  She teaches an MA level class on the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.  She is on the editorial board of Psychology, Public Policy and the Law and a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and the American Psychology and Law Society.