Join Emily Horowitz, Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at St. Francis College (Brooklyn, NY), will review some research about sex offense registries and the harm they cause. She will discuss recent efforts to challenge these popular but ineffective and damaging policies.
Emily Horowitz: The sex offense registry is essentially a naming and shaming scheme that doesn’t protect anyone. Over 20 years of studies and research show our sex offense legal regime doesn’t make us safer or protect anyone, as it costs millions and destroys lives. There are nearly 1 million people on sex offense registries in the United States, and the number increases each year. Those interested in criminal justice reform must consider the draconian sex offense legal regime in advocacy efforts, though it is an issue that is often orphaned in bipartisan efforts to reduce mass incarceration.
Following Dr. Horowitz will be a panel discussion with those impacted by the registry including:
- Nancy DiZio, treatment provider, New England Forensic Associates
- Tim Anderson, resident at the Southampton street shelter
- Bill Canavan, director, Boston Release Network
Following the panel the floor will be open for questions, answers and comments.
Sponsored by the Sex Offender Policy Reform Initiative of the Criminal Justice Policy Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, National Center for Reason and Justice, and Boston Release Network.