RESUMO
Few issues within the crime policy arena are as volatile as those involving sex offending, yet there is an enormous "knowledge gap" between research, science, and clinical practice, on the one hand, and the policy and criminal justice practitioner communities, on the other. Recent highly publicized cases involving sex offending, which have elevated the issue in the public eye, provide an opportunity for experts in this field to play an aggressive role in informing this debate. In particular, high priority should be given to developing more effective means of communicating to policymakers, practitioners, the media, elected officials, and the public what is known from science and clinical practice about sex offending and about what works in addressing it. A strong commitment to greater cross-disciplinary collaboration is also needed, as is federal leadership, particularly in supporting a cross-department research agenda. Researchers and other experts in this field can play a valuable role in helping ensure rational and effective public policy relating to sex offending that can achieve public safety and help reduce future victimization.
