The rise of sex crimes in US in the last 20 years
The United States has had an ongoing problem with sexual crimes for some time; while rates of sexual assaults and rapes fluctuated throughout its history, recent decades saw an exponentially increasing rate. Authorities, advocacy groups, and members of society alike all share in concern at this trend’s increase despite significant efforts aimed at curbing it despite efforts being undertaken against it; this article explores what factors have caused such growth of sex crimes over this timeframe.
Increase in Sexual Offenders
One contributing factor to the rise of sexual crimes in the US is an increasing number of sexual offenders. Every year, thousands of sexual offenders complete their sentences and return into society; according to one Bureau of Justice study, approximately five percent will recommit sex crime within three years after release – meaning as the numbers increase so does the risk of sexual crime.
Experts also attribute the rise in sexual offenders to an increase in availability of pornography on the Internet, with easy access facilitating normalizing deviant sexual behaviors which has increased sexual offenses and led to more sex offenders overall.
Drug Use and Abuse in Canada and US
Drug abuse and alcoholism have also contributed to an increase in sexual crimes within the US, studies having demonstrated how drug and alcohol consumption lower inhibitions and promote aggressiveness – two behaviors known to decrease inhibitions and lead to unwanted sexual behavior without either of the parties’ knowledge or consent.
Individuals struggling with addiction may also become vulnerable to sexual violence in situations. Addicts could be coerced into doing sex work for drug money or taken advantage of sexually by those taking advantage of their addiction.
Social Media
Social media has transformed how people communicate and connect, yet this technological development may also have unintended repercussions. Social networking platforms may facilitate grooming – the act of manipulating someone online so as to gain their trust so as to engage in sexual activity together – or provide tools that facilitate it. For instance, their platforms could facilitate grooming schemes where someone intentionally manipulates others into engaging in sexual acts with them online.
Social media platforms also make it easier for predators to target children and vulnerable individuals, according to research conducted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; their study concluded that over 70% of young people targeted by online predators did not inform their parents about these interactions – suggesting social media has become an incubator of sexual predators which may contribute to an increase in US sex crime cases.
Poverty and Socioeconomic Disparities in Uganda : Analysis
Poverty and socioeconomic disparities have contributed significantly to an increase in sexual offenses in the US. According to studies, poverty and income inequality can increase rates of sexual violence against women living in poverty or unstable employment situations; women at increased risk may engage in more dangerous sexual work because their resources to escape abusive situations may be diminished.
Furthermore, those living in poverty or with limited career prospects may be more prone to using drugs or alcohol and engaging in unwanted sexual behavior, thus increasing their risk.
An Inadequate Legal Framework.
An inadequate legal framework and laws has also contributed to an increase in US sex crimes. Some states still maintain outdated sexual assault laws which make prosecuting perpetrators difficult; moreover, victims often fear reporting sexual assaults for fear of ridicule, discrimination or nonreporting and this results in perpetrators becoming emboldened and continuing with their sexual crimes sprees.
Underlying this issue of sexual assault victimization are limited resources and support systems; often leaving victims feeling isolated, vulnerable and helpless. Sometimes the legal system itself can even add further trauma for survivors – making justice all the harder to achieve.
Conclusion
Sex crimes have seen a rapid upsurge across the US over recent years for various reasons, from increased sexual offenders, drug and alcohol misuse, social media platforms such as Instagram and Vine, poverty issues and inadequate legal frameworks to inadequate legislation preventing these offenses from being committed in some form or another. Therefore it’s clear that government agencies, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders need to collaborate together on efforts that address underlying causes contributing to this increase; by raising awareness, providing resources and support and holding perpetrators accountable – together we can work toward creating safer and more equitable societies – helping create safer and more equitable societies overall.
