Criminal Neglect: Why Sex Offenders Go Free

Scot Paul Saltstone is a lawyer in North Bay, Ontario.

Marshall, co-director of the Kingston Sexual Behaviour Clinic and a
professor of psychology, teamed up with journalist Barrett to write this
book. The combination of an academic/practitioner and a journalist makes
for informative and interesting reading both for those in the criminal
justice field and for the public.

This book educates the reader about many aspects of sexual assault. The
authors explore the motives of rapists and child molesters, as well as
the myths surrounding the stereotypical image of sex offenders.

The book’s thesis is that the current correctional system’s methods
of treating sex offenders are inadequate. The unfortunate effect of the
deficiencies in treatment programs is an increased possibility of repeat
offences. The authors also review the shortfalls in the justice system
that allow many sex offenders to go free and the victims to be further
victimized.

Not all readers will agree with the authors’ opinions and conclusions
(e.g. the link between pornography and sexual assault). However,
Marshall and Barrett are fair in their treatment of the issues, and they
support their arguments with many examples.

Criminal Neglect is not just a recitation of the problems with the
current criminal justice system’s approach to preventing sexual
assault: it offers solutions.