Posts by Seven

despite objections from the contra costa county district attorney, the state department of mental health and even his own doctors, a 32-year-old rapist under treatment at atascadero state hospital has been ordered released.. cary verse -- a twice-convicted violent sexual offender -- is set to be sprung as early as friday by order of judge john minney of contra costa superior court, perhaps to martinez.

Seven

Cello,

More re: castration and sex offenders. The editor's names along with their credentials can be found at http://echo.forensicpanel.com/editorial_board/ Also by visiting the department of corrections website of your state, you should be able to find current recidivism stats for sex offenders along with research proposal information.

Castration and Sex Offenders: Back to the Future
Volume 1, Issue 1 -- Published: Friday, Nov 1, 1996 -- Last Updated: Monday, Mar 11, 2002

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Sex offenders, especially those with an egregious history of recidivism, will almost certainly continue their behavior, unless their urge to engage in it is effectively curtailed. One such approach, castration, has been summarily dismissed in America for many years. But with the recent passage of legislation in California mandating chemical castration for repeat sex offenders, several other states are also exploring similar initiatives. Most research to date has reviewed not chemical, but surgical castration (i.e. removal of the testes and replacement with prostheses). Since the late 1920s Denmark has studied the effects of surgical castration in hundreds of its most grievous sex offenders who volunteered for the procedure. The program also included trained, committed psychotherapy and follow-up monitoring for over forty years. A climate of doctor-patient confidentiality at Herstedvester, the host institution, facilitated patient disclosure. The result: recidivism rates below 5%, duplicating results in similar castrated populations in Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Iceland. Yet many of the castrated maintained an adaptive sex life; the treatment curtails drive, not the capacity for sex. In contrast, a non-castrated Danish group of offenders showed a recidivism rate of approximately 50%. Chemical castration with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (which lowers circulating testosterone), has been examined in the United States and Canada in a number of studies of sex offenders. As in earlier European hormonal research, sex offenders have shown improved recidivism rates. Furthermore, studies have consistently shown its side effects to be even less frequent and disabling than those of many traditional behavioral medications. Thus, chemical castration offers an alternative to surgical castration that is perhaps not as biologically effective but is more palatable to those who have apocalyptic visions of "A Clockwork Orange." California's castration legislation omitted the specialized counseling that has traditionally accompanied such programs. States must enhance such castration legislation by providing for pilot counseling programs targeted at high-risk offenders. There is a very specific place for castration—when selectively and thoughtfully applied.

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Additional articles worth the read re: effectiveness of treatment programs.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Anderson, R., Gibeau, D., & D'Amora, D. (1995). The sex offender treatment rating scale: Initial reliability data. Sexual Abuse: Journal of Research & Treatment, 7, (3): 21-227.

Discusses developed rating scale as a potential proces s and outcome measure for cognitive/behavioral sex offender treatment.

Beutler, L., Hinton, R., Crago, M., & Collier, S. (1995). Evaluation of "fixed propensity" to commit sexual offenses: A preliminary report. Criminal Justice & behavior, 22, (3) : 284-294.

Discusses possible measures for predicting l ikelihood of future offense and the nature of offense.

Brody, Authur; Green, Richard. (1994). Washington State's Unscientific Approach to the Problem of Repeat Sec offenders. Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry & the Law, 22, (3), 343.

Addresses the Sexual Predator Act.

Brooks, Alexander. (1994). The Civil Commitment of Pathological Violent Sex Offenders. Administration & Policy in Mental Health, 21, (5), 417.

Explores the Sexually Violent Predator Statute.

Byrne, J., Taxman, F. (1994) Crime control policy and community corrections practice: Assessing the impact of gender, Race, and Class. Evaluation and program Planning, 17, (2), 227-233.

Review of current evaluation research on use of incarceration for sex offenders (among others).

Ellsworth, Thomas; Helle, Karin. (1994). Older Offenders on Probation. Federal Probation, 58, (4), 43.

Data about offenders aged >55 years who are on probation.

Fisher, D. & Thorton, D. (1993) Assessing risk of re-offending in sexual offenders. Journal of Mental Health, 2, (2), 105-117.

Examines risk of repeat offenses by convicted sex offenders.

Frohmann, L. & Mertz, E. (1994) Legal reform and social construction: Violence, Gender, and the law. Law & Social Inquiry, 19, (4), 829-851.

Suggests attentiveness to victim's needs and necessity for legal reform.

Furby, L., Weinrott, M.R., & Blackshaw, L. (1989). Sex offender recidivism: A review. Psychological Bulletin, 105, (1), 3-30.

This paper reviews the literature on programs for sex offenders and whether they "really work," in the sense of significantly reducing the recidivism rates. It concludes that there is no evidence supporting the claim that clinical treatment reduces these rates on sex offenses.

Gerber, Paul. (1995). Commentary on Counter - Transference in Working With Sex Offenders: The Issue of Sexual Attraction. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 4, (1), 117.

Speaks of the role therapists play in helping sex offenders.

Gratzer. T. & Bradford. J. (1995) Offender and offense characteristics of sexual sadists: A comparative study. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 40, (3), 450-455.

Examines characteristics of sexual sadist and sexual offenders in general.

Groth, A.N., Longo, R.E., & McFaelind, J.B. (1982). Undetected recidivism among rapists and child molesters. crime and Delinquency, 28, (3), 450-458.

Results of a questionnaire given to sex offenders indicate that the majority of them have been convicted more than once for a sexual assault. On average they admitted to having committed 2-5 times as many sex crimes for which they were not apprehended.

Hall, G.C. (1988). Criminal behavior as a function of clinical and actuarial variables in a sexual offender population. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, (5), 773-775.

The ability of clinical and actuarial variables to predict criminal behavior was investigated in a sample of 342 sexual offenders. Discriminant analyses suggested that linear combination of actuarial variables was significantly predictive of sexual reoffense against adults and of nonsexual violent and nonviolent reoffending.

Hubson, W., Boland, C., & Jamieson, D. (1985). Dangerous sexual offenders. Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality, 92, (2), 104-119.

Describes characteristics of dangerous sexual offenders, including rapists and child molesters. Factors indicate an unfavorable prognosis. Thus, a need for increased externally imposed control of sexual offenders are noted.

Hagan, M,. King, R,. Patros, R. (1994). The efficacy of a serious sex offenders treatment program for adolescent rapists. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 38, (2), 141-150.

Discusses results of study on adolescent sex offenders in juvenile correctional facilities.

Hall, Gordon. (1995). Sexual Offender Recidivism Revisited: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Treatment Studies. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 63, (5), 802.

A study that looks at the effectiveness of treatment programs for sex offenders.

Happel, Richard; Auffrey, Joseph. (1995). Sex Offender Assessment: Interrupting The Dance of Denial. American Journal of Forensic Psychology, 13, (2), 5.

Discuss the dance of denial that sex offenders exhibit.

Hudson, S.M.: Marshall, W, L.; Wales, D,; McDonald, E. (1993). Emotional Recognition Skills of Sex Offenders. Annals of Sex Research, 6, (3). 199.

Study looking at the emotional states of sex offenders.

Kearns, B. (1995) Self-reflection in work with sex offenders: A process not just for therapists. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 4, (1), 107-110.

Deals with reactions to treatment of sexual abuse offenders.

MaChovec, F. (1994) A systematic approach to sex offender therapy: Diagnosis, treatment, risk assessment. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 13, (2), 93-108.

Presents factor profile to assess treatment need and risk of re-offending.

Marshall, W.L.; Barbaree, H.E.; Fernandez. Y.M. (1995). Some Aspects of Social Competence in Sexual Offenders. Sexual Abuse: Journal of Research & Treatment, 7, (2) 113.

A study that looks at personality characteristics of sex offenders.

Pallone, Nathaniel. (1991). The American Bar Association and Legislatively Mandated Treatment of Offender Rehabilitation. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 17, (1-2), 105.

Discusses the "criminal sexual psychopath" and what should be done with a person who falls under this category.

Tontodonato, P. & Erez, E. (1994) Crime, Punishment, and victim distress. International Review of Victimology, 3, (1-2), 33-55.

Examines role of criminal justice experience in victim distress level.

23

Judge & Doctors conflict at release of Rapist

by Matty in

judge orders rapist set free d.a., doctors oppose releasing sex predator

phillip matier, andrew ross, chronicle staff writers .

despite objections from the contra costa county district attorney, the state department of mental health and even his own doctors, a 32-year-old rapist under treatment at atascadero state hospital has been ordered released.. cary verse -- a twice-convicted violent sexual offender -- is set to be sprung as early as friday by order of judge john minney of contra costa superior court, perhaps to martinez.

Seven

Matty, Look for Brother Verse's lawyers to be back in court on the 7th of March. AP writer Kim Curtis mentioned him yesterday in a Chronicle piece on molester, Brian DeVries describing the program. She said, The controversial treatment program requires offenders to work their way through four phases. They get recommitted every two years until mental health evaluators decide they're ready for the fifth phase, community release. No one has gone through the program and graduated into supervised release. In Contra Costa County, officials also are having trouble finding a treatment provider for Cary Verse, a 32-year-old convicted rapist who also was granted his petition for community release. Lawyers in that case are expected back in court next month.

23

Judge & Doctors conflict at release of Rapist

by Matty in

judge orders rapist set free d.a., doctors oppose releasing sex predator

phillip matier, andrew ross, chronicle staff writers .

despite objections from the contra costa county district attorney, the state department of mental health and even his own doctors, a 32-year-old rapist under treatment at atascadero state hospital has been ordered released.. cary verse -- a twice-convicted violent sexual offender -- is set to be sprung as early as friday by order of judge john minney of contra costa superior court, perhaps to martinez.

Seven

The Honorable Judge John Minney is out of his funking mind, imo.

I would like to retract that idiotic statement questioning Judge Minney's competency. It was based on emotion rather than fact. I've spent the past week reading up on his background and the rulings he's handed down in several high profile cases. Considering his direct involvement in the community with projects to keep kids safe I'm inclined to think that he'll do all he can to see that twisted dub Cary Verse is released into the community ***shudder*** under a proven treatment provider.

2

Fox News Philadelphia to air child abuse story

by DevonMcBride in

this wednesday on fox news in philadelphia they will air an interview with the pandellos.

from what i've heard this should be an interesting story

Seven

Devon, Would it be possible for you to tape the show? Thanks in advance.

3

Law opened door to sue on past abuse

by Seven in

some good news for residents of california even with the supreme court scheduled to argue the law's constitutionality.. seven.

deputy chief financial officer.

sales .

Seven

Si,

However, the burden of proof should always be to prove someone is guilty (innocent until found guilt) and accusation is useless without fact and evidence. This may give a problem for old cases BUT where there are cases such as within the WTS where abuse has occurred, has been documented but it has just never been reported, then this would be ideal 'fodder' for the new law.

Agreed-my thinking exactly. Now to get them to turn over those files.

"It's very hard for children to come forward," she said. Especially in old cases, "there's no motive to lie. People should be held responsible for their acts, even if it is several years later."

There's ALWAYS a motive to lie - to someone, somewhere, sometime. I don't get the reasoning.

waiting,

I know you're not nitpicking. At least you care enough about these issues to engage in some sort of discussion. The lawyers need to elaborate further. I can understand what you're saying about the motive to lie. However, an individual would have to be mentally challenged to put themselves and those involved through an ordeal like that. The state of California has as of late been grossly negligent in the child protection department. You might have missed these articles:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/8/46237/1.ashx http://www.jehovah-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=46237&site=3 http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/14/46822/661666/post.ashx#661666

seven

65

Cowboy's Mother passed away

by Seven in

jw
friends

i posted this at vincent's this morning.

re: re: vincent-------goes underground 24-feb-03 07:06feb 24, 2003. .

post 2234 of 2235. since 25-mar-00.

Seven

Cowboy's Mom passed away yesterday. I posted this at Vincent's this morning.

Re: Re: VINCENT-------goes underground

Post 2234 of 2235
since 25-Mar-00

{{{{{{{Cowboy}}}}}}} My thoughts are with you and your family. Love you much my friend.

Love,

Seven

alt

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday
Boyz II Men

How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.
I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
I don't know where this road
Is going to lead.
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.
If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.
And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

3

Law opened door to sue on past abuse

by Seven in

some good news for residents of california even with the supreme court scheduled to argue the law's constitutionality.. seven.

deputy chief financial officer.

sales .

Seven

Some good news for residents of California even with the Supreme Court scheduled to argue the law's constitutionality.

seven

State law opened door to sue on alleged long-ago abuse
Defense lawyers cry foul, but prosecutors point to safeguards
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

Monday, February 24, 2003

It's a defense lawyer's nightmare: a client charged with a repellent crime based on decades-old events that may be vivid memories for only one person, the alleged victim of child molestation.

The state law that makes such prosecutions possible -- including recent charges against an Oakland basketball coach and a San Francisco police chaplain -- can work to make trials one-sided, according to one veteran defense lawyer. But longtime prosecutors say the law has built-in safeguards.

The state's deadline for filing molestation charges is 10 years after the incident.

But there is an exception: under a 1994 law, the first of its kind in the nation, charges can be filed within a year of a police report, no matter how long ago the events occurred.

The case must involve substantial sexual contact, and prosecutors must have independent corroboration.

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a Contra Costa County case next month on the constitutionality of the California law.

A ruling is due by the end of June on whether it violates the ban on ex post facto laws, which define a crime or increase punishment after the fact.

In the meantime, the law has been used to prosecute clergymen and others on the basis of new allegations of long-ago crimes.

Last Wednesday, Mike Phelps, the winningest high school basketball coach in California history, was charged by Alameda County prosecutors with molest ing a boy more than 36 years ago. Phelps, 57, who has been placed on leave at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, denied the charge.

Monsignor John Heaney, 75, longtime senior chaplain for the San Francisco Police Department, was charged last month with molesting a boy over a two-year period, starting in 1961. He has also pleaded not guilty.

A Roman Catholic priest from Santa Rosa, Donald Wren Kimball, was convicted last April of molesting a 13-year-old girl in 1981 and sentenced to seven years in prison. He was defrocked in November.

Lawyers on both sides often encounter difficulty in molestation cases because of the youth of the alleged victim and the usual absence of witnesses. But one defense lawyer said cases prosecuted under the 1994 law can be especially burdensome.

"If you were asked what you were doing on Oct. 22, 1983, unless you were one of those nut cases who kept a detailed record on a daily basis, you would have no clue even where to begin," said Hayward attorney Philip Schnayerson, immediate past president of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, a defense group.

Often, even for the innocent, "it's impossible to prove that it didn't occur," Schnayerson said. "They are very difficult for the defense. The charges usually involve such revulsion on the part of juries."

He noted that innocent people have been convicted of molestation, citing the cases of day-care workers in several states who were imprisoned in the 1980s and freed many years later after witnesses recanted.

All a defense lawyer can do, in many cases, is to offer evidence of the defendant's good reputation and lack of a criminal record, and hope that the jury finds reasons to doubt the accusations, Schnayerson said.

"Even if a person is acquitted of these charges, it still ruins their life, " he said.

But the chief of sexual assault prosecutions in Santa Clara County said long-ago molestation cases are not that different from others.

Even decades later, "you'd be surprised how well a sexual assault victim can remember what occurred," said Deputy District Attorney Victoria Brown. "I'm not saying they can tell you details of every single act, but they can tell you details of a lot of acts, especially the more heinous ones.

"Clearly, the victim is still suffering and has now found the courage to come forward."

Brown said defendants' memories, too, are often better than one might expect. A defendant's ability to remember a particular date or establish an alibi is usually not an important issue, she said, because most of her office's cases involve those who had regular access to the victim, like a family member or baby-sitter.

Raymond Boucher, a Costa Mesa (Orange County) lawyer representing people who file civil suits against alleged molesters, belittled the notion that defendants are at a disadvantage in disputes over events many years ago.

"By and large, you're talking about predators who know exactly what they're doing," he said. "These are people who have clear recollections of what happened. . . . The probability of false accusations decreases significantly as time goes on."

Both Brown and William Hodgman, a veteran of the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, said defendants are protected by the 1994 law's requirement of independent corroboration before charges are filed.

"It's a built-in check," said Hodgman, chief of his office's sex crimes division, which now is investigating more than 100 allegations of sexual abuse by clergymen. He said corroboration typically consists of statements or other evidence from the defendant -- writings, photos, or admissions to investigators -- or accounts by other alleged victims.

But Schnayerson, a defense lawyer for 35 years, said the corroboration requirement, while "good in theory," is subject to varying interpretations by judges and can't be counted on as a safeguard. He also said the Supreme Court was likely to uphold the California law.

Brown, the Santa Clara County prosecutor, contended the law was fair.

"It's very hard for children to come forward," she said. Especially in old cases, "there's no motive to lie. People should be held responsible for their acts, even if it is several years later."

E-mail Bob Egelko at [email protected].

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02/07/2003 - SFPD - To protect and serve? .

01/12/2003 - Sex criminal faces new charges, tough penalties.

12/03/2002 - Molest cases a test of statute of limitations .

Poll

by patio34 in

what to wear to attract the opposite sex

this is from the book how to make anyone fall in love with you.. in a study, both men and women were shown pictures of members of the opposite sex.

some of the people in photos wore chic upscale clothes, and others wore less expensive ones that ranged from cheap to downright cheesy.

Seven

I prefer a man to dress as attractively as his budget allows but would never insist he dress a certain way for me. I do dislike blue jeans though and tire of seeing them day after day. I guess I'm more attracted to that sharp dressed man unless there's nothing between his ears.