Even amid the national outcry about sex abuse and sexual harassment, very little is known about sex offenders or the treatments that best help them. Arguably the least understood population of the criminal justice system, sex offenders are subject to some of the country’s most punitive sentencing laws and their incarceration, life after prison and rehabilitation efforts are often misguided.
Two Salem people with decades of experience with offenders in professional and prison settings have written a riveting new book , SO, The New Scarlett Letters , that addresses the facts surrounding these offenders and also describes proven, successful rehabilitation practices.
Author Marilyn Callahan is an award-winning social worker who has treated male offenders for more than 50 years and pioneered treatment for female sex offenders. Co-author Tim Buckley is a leader in the Oregon Prison Project, which since 2010 has been highly effective in training inmates in Nonviolent Communication to help them increase pro-social behavior and decrease aggressive behavior through the development of empathy.
The authors say it is time for society to more widely help victims shed shame and trauma, as well as time for offenders to learn how to change, make their amends and begin to earn back society’s trust.
RELATED LINKS:
Stereotypes & Misconceptions About Sex Offenders (audio recording of interview with Tim Buckley) [kboo.fm 3/26/18]
Reading this now and will report thoughts when completed, thanks for this article from OR, one Psych went to Mills in OAK. More to follow. Two Rx therapists in tow covering areas hard to find to assist RC’s out and about.