Social Perception of Sex Crimes and Sex offenders in Barbados

SOCIAL PERCEPTION OF SEX CRIMES AND SEX OFFENDERS IN BARBADOS

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

CAVE HILL CAMPUS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT, SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

SOCI3014 - CRIMINOLOGY

BY

Rasheeda Russell

Re-Shana Horton

Grantley Trebble

Jonathan Jeffrey

Lisa Bellamy

Dr. Kim Ramsay

April 7, 2012

Words: 3897

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 3

Introduction 5

-Background to the Study 5

-Aims & Purpose of the Study 6

Literature Review 7

Methodology 9

Data Collection 10

Presentation of Findings 11

Analysis of Findings 19

Conclusion 23

Recommendations 23

References 25

Appendices 29

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study was designed to determine the pervasive social perceptions and attitudes towards sex offenders and sexual crimes such as rape, incest and sexual harassment in Barbados. It was also the intention of the study to develop a more comprehensive scope of the topic by examining the role of gender in shaping perception. Three aspects of the topic were covered: (1) perception of sex offenders (2) attitudes towards punishment and (3) attitudes towards social reintegration.

The majority of the sample expressed strong attitudes of fear towards sex offenders with female respondents in comparison to males believing heavier penalties such as life imprisonment or '10-25 years' should issued to such category of criminals. Generally, it was found that the respondents were not comfortable with the social reintegration of reformed offenders. The results of social perceptions of sex crimes and sex offenders demonstrated that rape was the more severe crimes, with 100% and 88% reporting rape crimes were not socially acceptable in Wildey East Terrace and Deacons Farm communities respectively, followed closely by incest. Perception of the seriousness of sexual harassment was widely spread within the communities with 59% in Wildey East Terrace and 56% viewing it as a 'very serious' offence. Deacons Farm respondents were found to be particularly more accepting of incest, with 31% viewing it as 'moderately serious'.

The overall implications of the study suggest negative perceptions, misconceptions and demonstrated attitudes of fear, disdain and anger towards sex crimes and offenders. By analysis of this social problem, it is recommended that further study be conducted in this area and programs be developed to educate the public on sex crime to diminish the stigmatization and fear of reformed offenders.

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Federoff & Moran (1997) found the term "sex offender" to evoke a great deal of anxiety in society. One might argue that the topic of sex offenders and sex crimes is closely linked with particular stigmas and social perceptions which translate to discrimination. This discrimination often results in the reintegration of sex offenders into the community.

Social re-integration therefore becomes important to this study of social perception as it highlights the linkages between social attitudes toward sex offenders which might further translate into discrimination and prejudices throughout all contexts of the individual's social, academic and professional lives. Many academics and researchers, including Jonathan Yearwood, Research and Information Officer at the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), believe that social reintegration is crucial to the complete rehabilitation of criminals and prevention of the occurrence of recidivism. Yearwood, as quoted by Thangaraj (2010) expressed that "successful rehabilitation should not only be limited to efforts of the prison, but to the wider reintegration of offenders in the society."

Furthermore, those convicted of sex-related offenses are subject to some of the toughest and most comprehensive penalties that the justice system has to offer (Bodow, 2012). Additionally, sex crimes are particularly offensive given they violate the intrinsic norms and values of propriety as well as the family structure of society. On this note, Beck, Clingermayer, Ramsey, and Travis (2004) identified in their review of sex offenders, that a majority of sexual abuse was perpetrated by an acquaintance or family member.

It must be noted that little research has been conducted regarding how the public perceives sex crimes and sex offenders in Barbados. However this research aims to delineate society's stereotypes as it concerns sex offenders and sex crimes with an alternative goal of understanding the relationship between social perception and attitudes which might affect the reintegration process.

AIMS/PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In this study, the stigmas and prejudices towards sex crimes and offenders are explored and brought into the specific context of how pervasive perceptions typical in Barbadian culture may shape behaviour and affect the social reintegration of reformed offenders. It is also aimed at discovering the possible correlations with social perception and gender. The objectives of this research paper investigate four central areas or aspects of social perception as it relates to sex crimes and offenders: (1) how respondents categorise and define actions as being sexual offences or sex crimes by order of severity; (2) community attitudes to resettlement