MYTH #3: Rates of sexual offending are higher now than in past decades.
FACT: Lisa Sample, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Omaha expert on sexual offending, says the rates of sexual offending are going down, despite higher rates of reporting such offenses. And the advent of tough sex offender laws cannot be credited. Research shows that tougher laws often result in increased offense rates. Even mandatory reporting laws like the one in Nebraska make matters worse. Because professional therapists and others are required by law to “turn in” those who come to them for help, people at risk of committing sexual offenses do not seek out the professional help they need.