Diffusion of shame: Experiences of sex offender family support networks

Although much descriptive information has been learned about the consequences sex offenders\u27 family members experience when their loved ones have been placed on the registry, little is known about how these consequences affect family members\u27 abilities to provide the informal support sex offenders need to desist from offending. This paper uses strain theory as a guiding framework to understand how effects from sex offender legislation affect family member relationships with their offender loved ones and other support networks in their lives. The sample consists of thirty-six family members, including sex offender spouses, significant others, parents, and adult children. The results of this study can be used to help develop services directed at sex offenders and their family members with the goal of enhancing the social support of sex offenders within the community