Sex Offender Concerns
They’re both considered high-risk sex offenders and both Paul Callow and the man once known as the Marpole Rapist are out of jail and living in the Lower Mainland. But one senior psychologist with Corrections Canada says public perception about a person’s likelihood to re-offend isn’t necessarily the reality.
Dr. Anton Schweighofer notes a recent study of over 4000 men who committed sex offences found 73 percent had not re-offended after 20 years. Rates also dropped significantly when offenders received treatment.
While Schweighofer points out someone’s past history platys a significant role in whether they’re deemed high risk, there are ways their likelihood to re-offend can be managed over the long term.
He’s also concerned attempts to ostracize offenders could actually increase the risk by making them feel angry, dejected or hopeless.
NEWS1130
