Crime psych april 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the purpose of the Close in Age Exception in sexual offenses against children?
A
The Close in Age Exception prevents the prosecution of children who are close in age and engaging in consensual sexual activity.
2
Q
What is the median age of female victims of sexual assault according to Statistics Canada?
A
The median age of female victims is 18, with many victims being under the age of 18.
3
Q
How does the maximum sentence for Level 1 Sexual Assault compare to that of physical assault?
A
The maximum sentence for Level 1 Sexual Assault is 10 years, while for physical assault, it is 5 years.
4
Q
What trend has been observed regarding the rates of Level 1 sexual assaults in recent years?
A
Level 1 sexual assaults have increased, likely due to changes in reporting practices influenced by movements like #MeToo.
5
Q
How do the victimization rates of sexual assault compare to robbery and physical assault?
A
Sexual assault is less common than physical assault but more common than robbery according to the 2019 victimization survey.
6
Q
What are the age gaps allowed under the Close in Age Exception for children aged 12-13 and 14-15?
A
For ages 12-13, the age gap is no more than 2 years; for ages 14-15, it is no more than 5 years.
7
Q
What percentage of sexual assaults are reported to police in Canada?
A
Approximately 6% of sexual assaults are reported to the police.
8
Q
What is the significance of attrition in the processing of sexual assault cases?
A
Attrition refers to the significant drop-off in cases from reporting to conviction, with many cases not resulting in prison sentences despite serious charges.
9
Q
What is the maximum sentence for Sexual Exploitation in Canada?
A
The maximum sentence for Sexual Exploitation is 14 years.
10
Q
What is the misconception about sex offenders and rehabilitation?
A
The misconception is that sex offenders cannot be rehabilitated, but evidence suggests many can reintegrate successfully into society.
11
Q
How has the definition of child pornography evolved in legal terms?
A
Child pornography is now referred to as child sexual abuse and exploitation material, acknowledging that children cannot consent to being sexually depicted.
12
Q
What is the significance of empirical research on sex offender recidivism rates?
A
Empirical research shows that recidivism rates for sex offenders are lower than commonly believed, often around 3-5%.
13
Q
What is the relationship between the education level of sexual offenders and their likelihood of offending?
A
Sexual offenders come from diverse educational backgrounds, and some of the most educated individuals can also be offenders.
14
Q
What constitutes Sexual Exploitation in Canadian law?
A
Sexual Exploitation occurs when an offender in a position of authority invites or interferes with a victim under the age of 16 for sexual purposes.
15
Q
What distinguishes Sexual Exploitation from other sexual offenses?
A
Sexual Exploitation involves an offender in a position of authority inviting a victim under the age of 16 to engage in sexual touching.
16
Q
What are common defenses used in possession cases of child sexual abuse material?
A
A common defense is claiming the material was unintentionally acquired while downloading other content.
17
Q
What is the significance of the clearance rates for sexual assaults compared to other crimes?
A
Clearance rates for sexual assaults range from 35% to 45%, which is lower than the clearance rates for other assaults at around 50%.
18
Q
What is the impact of misinformation on public perception of sex offenders?
A
Misinformation contributes to a public belief that sex offenders have high re-offense rates, leading to harsh legal consequences and societal stigma.
19
Q
What is the role of authority figures in the context of sexual exploitation?
A
Authority figures, such as teachers and police officers, have a special legal responsibility and are criminally liable if they exploit their position to engage in sexual activities with minors.
20
Q
What is the definition of Sexual Interference in Canadian law?
A
Sexual Interference is defined as touching a child under the age of 16 for sexual purposes.
21
Q
What is the legal definition of Luring by Computer in Canada?
A
Luring by Computer involves enticing a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activities via computer.
22
Q
What is the distinction between pedophilia and sexual molestation?
A
Pedophilia is a mental disorder characterized by attraction to prepubescent children, while sexual molestation is an actual offense involving inappropriate sexual contact.
23
Q
What are the four primary types of offenses related to child sexual abuse and exploitation material?
A
The four primary types are making, distributing, possessing, and accessing child sexual abuse material.
24
Q
What is the impact of the #MeToo movement on reporting practices for sexual assault?
A
The #MeToo movement has likely influenced an increase in the reporting of Level 1 sexual assaults.
25
What is the age threshold for victims under Luring by Computer?
he victim must be under the age of 18 for the offense of Luring by Computer to apply.
26
How do clearance rates for sexual assaults compare to other crimes?
Clearance rates for sexual assaults range from 35% to 45%, which is lower than that of physical assaults.
27
What is the rationale behind the Close in Age Exception?
The rationale is to avoid criminalizing consensual sexual activity between peers who are close in age.
28
What is the recidivism rate for sex offenders compared to other offenders?
Studies indicate that sex offenders have lower recidivism rates, typically around 2-3%, compared to higher rates for other types of offenses.
29
What is the trend in sexual assault rates since the 1990s?
Sexual assault rates peaked in the 1990s and have generally decreased since then, despite fluctuations in reporting.
30
What is the difference between contact and non-contact sexual offenses?
Contact offenses involve physical sexual acts, while non-contact offenses include the creation and distribution of sexual abuse material.
31
What is the distinction between pedophilia and sexual molestation?
Pedophilia is a mental disorder characterized by attraction to prepubescent children, while sexual molestation is the act of committing a sexual offense against a child.
32
What is the relationship between victim and offender in most sexual assault cases?
The most common relationship is that the victim and offender are known to each other, often as acquaintances, family members, or intimate partners.
33
What are the common victim characteristics for online sexual offenses against children?
Victims of online sexual offenses are often girls aged 12-17.
34
How does the law treat consensual relationships involving minors?
Consensual relationships between minors may not be prosecuted under certain conditions, particularly if they fall within the Close in Age Exception.
35
What distinguishes the age of consent in sexual offenses against children?
The age of consent is under 18 for luring and under 16 for other specific sexual offenses.
36
What are common defenses used in possession cases of child sexual abuse material?
Common defenses include claims of unintentional acquisition or lack of intent to distribute the material.
37
What is the recidivism rate for sex offenders compared to other offenders?
Sex offenders have lower recidivism rates, typically around 2-3%, compared to higher rates for other types of offenders.
38
What is the role of consent in online sexual offenses against children?
In online offenses, consent is not recognized for individuals under 18, making any sexual solicitation or material illegal.
39
What is the significance of the Close in Age Exception in sexual offenses against children?
It prevents the prosecution of youth who are close in age and engaging in consensual sexual activity, with specific age gap allowances.
40
What is the impact of the #MeToo movement on sexual assault reporting?
The #MeToo movement has contributed to an increase in reporting practices for sexual assaults.
41
What are the four primary types of offenses related to child sexual abuse and exploitation material?
The four types are making, distributing, possessing, and accessing child sexual abuse material.
42
What is the effect of misinformation on public perception of sex offenders?
Misinformation perpetuates myths about high recidivism rates and rehabilitation, influencing legislation and societal attitudes.
43
What is the legal definition of Luring by Computer in Canada?
Luring by Computer refers to enticing a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity via computer.
44
What is the maximum sentence for making child sexual abuse material?
The maximum sentence for making child sexual abuse material is 14 years.
45
What is the role of authority figures in Sexual Exploitation cases?
Authority figures, such as teachers or counselors, are held to a higher standard and face harsher penalties when involved in sexual offenses against minors.
46
What is the impact of technological advances on child sexual exploitation?
Technological advances have led to an increase in online child exploitation and abuse, complicating law enforcement efforts.
47
What is the significance of the position of authority in Sexual Exploitation cases?
The offender's position of authority increases the severity of the offense, making it a more serious crime.
48
How does the age of the victim affect the prosecution of sexual touching offenses?
If the victim is under 16, the offender may face charges of sexual interference or invitation to sexual touching.
49
What is the distinction between sexual assault and sexual interference?
Sexual assault involves non-consensual sexual acts, while sexual interference specifically refers to touching a minor for sexual purposes.
50
What trends have been observed regarding the rates of sexual assault since the 1990s?
Sexual assault rates peaked in the 1990s and have generally decreased since then, despite increased reporting.
51
What is the maximum sentence for Sexual Interference in Canada?
The maximum sentence for Sexual Interference is 14 years.
52
What is the difference between Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference?
Sexual Assault can occur with victims of any age, while Sexual Interference specifically involves touching a child under 16 for sexual purposes.
53
What is the relationship between victim and offender in most sexual assault cases?
Victims typically know their offenders, with common relationships including casual acquaintances, family members, and intimate partners.
54
What is the significance of bundling offenses in sexual abuse cases?
Bundling allows for multiple charges to be brought against an offender for a single incident, such as abuse and distribution of material.
55
What are the implications of the term 'child sexual abuse material'?
It reflects the legal stance that children cannot consent to being depicted sexually, replacing the term 'child pornography'.
56
How does the law view consent for individuals under 18?
Under the law, individuals under 18 cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
57
What is the trend in child exploitation material from 2014 to 2020?
There has been a significant increase in online child exploitation and abuse during this period.
58
What is the difference between contact and non-contact sexual offenses?
Contact offenses involve physical interaction, while non-contact offenses, such as child sexual exploitation material, do not.
59
What are the common victim characteristics for sexual offenses against children?
Victims are predominantly girls aged 12-17, with this age group being more frequently targeted.
60
What are the implications of self-reported data on sexual assault rates?
Self-reported data suggests that actual rates of sexual assault may be higher than reported to authorities.
61
What is the trend in reporting rates for sexual assault compared to other crimes?
Only about 6% of sexual assaults are reported to police, which is lower than reporting rates for other crimes like robbery.
62
How does the law view consent for individuals under 18?
The law stipulates that individuals under 18 cannot consent to sexual activity, making any such activity potentially prosecutable.
63
What is the trend regarding the education level of sexual offenders?
Sexual offenders can be highly educated, but their backgrounds are diverse, indicating a lack of homogeneity within the group.
64
What is the recidivism rate for sex offenders compared to other types of offenders?
Recidivism rates for sex offenders are typically lower than those for other offenses, such as robbery or assault.
65
How do victim-offender relationships typically manifest in sexual assault cases?
Most sexual assault victims know their offenders, often being casual acquaintances, family members, or intimate partners.
66
How does the close in age exception apply to sexual offenses against children?
The close in age exception allows for limited prosecution of minors engaging in sexual activities if they are within specified age gaps.
67
What is the significance of attrition in sexual assault cases?
Attrition refers to the significant drop-off in cases reported to police that lead to convictions or sentences.
68
What is the impact of misinformation on public perception of sex offenders?
Misinformation leads to misconceptions about high recidivism rates and hinders effective rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
69
How do gender dynamics differ between male and female victims of sexual assault?
Female victims are predominantly assaulted by male perpetrators, while male victims can have both male and female offenders.
70
What are the motivations for non-pedophiles committing sexual offenses against children?
Motivations can include indiscriminate sexual attraction, hypersexuality, psychotic disorders, intoxication, or revenge.
71
How do sexual assault reporting rates compare to other offenses?
Only about 6% of sexual assaults are reported to the police, which is lower than rates for robbery or physical assault.
72
What is the impact of the #MeToo movement on sexual assault reporting?
The #MeToo movement has influenced changes in reporting practices, potentially increasing the reporting of sexual assaults.
73
What are the implications of self-reported data on sexual assault rates?
Self-reported data suggests that sexual assault rates remain stable, despite underreporting to law enforcement.
74
What is the significance of the term 'child sexual abuse material'?
The term reflects the legal acknowledgment that children cannot consent to being sexually depicted.
75
What distinguishes sexual molestation from pedophilia?
Pedophilia is a mental disorder characterized by attraction to prepubescent children, whereas sexual molestation is an actual offense.
76
What distinguishes the recidivism rates of sex offenders from those of violent offenders?
Sex offenders generally have lower recidivism rates compared to violent offenders, such as those convicted of homicide.
77
What constitutes luring by computer in Canadian law?
Luring by computer involves enticing a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity via computer.
78
What is the maximum sentence for making child sexual abuse material in Canada?
The maximum sentence for making child sexual abuse material is 14 years.
79
What trends have been observed regarding the rates of sexual assault since the 1990s?
Sexual assault rates peaked in the 1990s but have shown a decrease in recent years, particularly for higher-level assaults.
80
What are the implications of the age of consent in child sexual abuse cases?
Individuals under 18 cannot legally consent to the creation or distribution of sexual material.
81
What is the significance of the position of authority in sexual exploitation cases?
The position of authority differentiates sexual exploitation from other offenses, as it involves a power dynamic over the victim.
82
What is the effect of pornography on sexual aggression according to studies?
Studies show inconclusive links between pornography and sexual aggression, with some suggesting that increased availability may correlate with reduced sexual aggression.
83
What is the trend regarding the rates of sexual assault since the 1990s?
Sexual assault rates peaked in the 1990s and have decreased overall, although Level 1 assaults have been increasing recently.
84
What is the relationship between victim age and the likelihood of being a victim of online sexual offenses?
Youth aged 12 to 17 are more likely to be victims of online sexual offenses compared to younger children.
85
What is the relationship between education level and the likelihood of offending in sexual offenders?
Sex offenders can be highly educated, but the group is heterogeneous, including individuals from various educational backgrounds.
86
What is the common defense used in possession cases of child sexual abuse material?
A common defense is claiming unintentional acquisition of the material while downloading other content.
87
What role do authority figures play in sexual exploitation cases?
Sexual exploitation occurs when an offender in a position of authority invites a minor to engage in sexual touching.
88
What is the role of consent in online sexual offenses against children?
In online enticement cases, consent is not valid if the victim is underage, even if images are shared in a perceived consensual context.
89
What is the difference between sexual exploitation and invitation to sexual touching?
Sexual exploitation involves an authority figure, while invitation to sexual touching does not necessarily involve such a dynamic.
90
What is the significance of the clearance rates for sexual assaults?
Clearance rates for sexual assaults range from 35% to 45%, indicating that a significant number of cases do not lead to charges.
91
What are the common misconceptions about sex offenders regarding their risk of re-offending?
Many believe that all sex offenders will re-offend, but empirical data shows that recidivism rates are lower than commonly perceived.
92
What is the role of authority in cases of sexual exploitation?
Authority figures, such as teachers or police officers, have a significant impact on the dynamics of sexual exploitation offenses.
93
What is the impact of misinformation on legislation regarding sex offenders?
Misinformation about high recidivism rates has led to harsh laws that limit the rights and reintegration prospects of sex offenders.
94
What are the implications of the legal changes in sexual assault definitions since 1983 in Canada?
The shift from a restricted definition of rape to a broader definition of sexual assault has significant implications for reporting and prosecution.
95
How do the characteristics of sexual assault victims typically manifest?
The majority of sexual assault victims are female (87%), with a median age of 18, and a smaller portion (13%) are male, with a median age of 13.
96
How does the age of consent vary in sexual offenses involving children?
consent under Canadian law is critical in determining the legality of sexual acts involving minors.
97
What are the recidivism rates for sex offenders compared to homicide offenders?
The recidivism rate for sex offenders is approximately 3.5%, while homicide offenders have a much lower rate of 0.9%.
98
What does the term 'frightening and high' refer to in the context of sex offender recidivism?
'Frightening and high' refers to the exaggerated claims about sex offender recidivism rates that have influenced public perception and legislation.
99
What is the trend in victim characteristics for online sexual offenses against children?
Victims of online sexual offenses are primarily youths aged 12 to 17, with girls disproportionately affected.
100
What is the primary factor complicating the assessment of re-offending rates among sex offenders?
Many sex offenders have committed other offenses, making it difficult to isolate their likelihood of re-offending specifically in sexual crimes.
101
What are the implications of the legal definition of child sexual abuse material?
The term reflects the legal recognition that children cannot consent to being sexually depicted, emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses.
102
What is the relationship between mental illness and sex offenders?
While sex offenders have a higher prevalence of mental illness (six times the general population), many are not mentally ill.
103
What is the relationship between sexual assault and the #MeToo movement?
The #MeToo movement has influenced changes in reporting practices, potentially increasing the visibility and reporting of sexual assaults.
104
What is the significance of the penile plethysmograph in studying sex offenders?
The penile plethysmograph is used to measure sexual arousal in offenders as part of treatment and assessment processes.
105
What distinguishes sexual exploitation from other sexual offenses?
Sexual exploitation involves an offender in a position of authority inviting a victim under 16 to engage in sexual touching.
106
What trends have been observed in the recidivism rates of sex offenders over time?
Studies consistently show that recidivism rates for sex offenders are lower than for offenders of other violent crimes.
107
What is the misconception about the re-offense rate of sex offenders?
The claim that 80% of sex offenders re-offend is unsupported by empirical evidence and originated from a non-scientific article
108
What does the term 'attrition' refer to in the context of sexual assault cases?
Attrition refers to the loss of cases as they progress through the criminal justice system, resulting in fewer convictions and sentences.
109
What is the significance of empirical research on sex offender treatment and recidivism?
Empirical research has shown that recidivism rates for sex offenders are often lower than previously thought, challenging common stereotypes.
110
What is the impact of societal perceptions on sex offender laws?
Societal fears and misconceptions about sex offenders often drive the creation of strict laws that do not reflect empirical evidence.
111
What is the significance of the close in age exception in sexual offenses against children?
The close in age exception prevents prosecution of minors engaging in consensual sexual activity within specified age gaps.
112
What is the distinction between pedophilia and sexual molestation?
Pedophilia is defined as a sexual attraction to prepubescent children, while sexual molestation refers to the actual act of sexual abuse.
113
What is the misconception about the rehabilitation of sex offenders?
It is commonly believed that sex offenders cannot be rehabilitated, but evidence suggests that many can and do successfully reintegrate.
114
What is the impact of draconian laws on sex offenders' reintegration into society?
Draconian laws limit housing and job opportunities for sex offenders, undermining their ability to reintegrate and potentially increasing the risk of recidivism.
115
How does the reporting rate for sexual assaults compare to other offenses?
Only about 6% of sexual assaults are reported to the police, which is lower than reporting rates for other crimes like robbery.
116
What is the relationship between education level and offending behavior in sexual offenders?
Sexual offenders exhibit a range of education levels, with some highly educated individuals committing offenses, contradicting stereotypes.
117
What is the relationship between sexual assault and other types of offenses in terms of recidivism rates?
Sexual assault offenders typically have lower recidivism rates (1.7%) compared to offenders of violent crimes like robbery (5.5%) and assault (23%).
118
What is the relationship between victim-offender dynamics in sexual assault cases?
Victims of sexual assault often know their offenders, with common relationships including acquaintances, family members, and intimate partners.
