Public perception of sex offenders

Seksualni delikti su tema koja izaziva veliko zanimanje društva te je često popraćena u medijima zbog čega ovaj rad analizira na koji način mediji utječu na formiranje stavova šire javnosti o seksualnim deliktima i njihovim počiniteljima. Za potrebe ovog rada provedena je analiza već postojećih znanstvenih istraživanja i radova koji su se bavili srodnim temama. Glavni cilj rada je omogućiti uvid u stavove društva prema počiniteljima seksualnih delikata, predstaviti najpoznatije mitove i stereotipe te im kritički pristupiti objašnjavajući ih znanstvenim i statističkim činjenicama. Počinitelji seksualnih delikata razlikuju se po svojm osobnim karakteristikama i razlozima počinjenja seksualnih delikata pa im je u svrhu rehabilitacije potrebno prilagoditi tretmane njihovim potrebama. Rehabilitacija je ističe kao ključni korak u pripremi počinitelja na ponovni povratak u društvo nakon odslužene kazne. Uspješna rehabilitacija i socijalna reintegracija smatraju se ključnim preduvjetima za smanjenje stope recidivizma. Međutim, društvo u kojem vladaju stereotipi i diskriminacija mogu otežati taj proces. Stoga je važno fokus staviti na educiranje javnosti o znanstveno utemeljenim činjenicama i zauzimanju kritičkog stava prema medijskim izvještavanjima.Sexual crimes are a topic that arouses great interest in society and is often covered in the media, which is why this paper analyzes how the media influences the formation of attitudes of the general public about sexual crimes and their perpetrators. For the purposes of this paper, an analysis of already existing scientific research and papers with related topics was carried out. The main goal of the paper is to provide an insight into society's attitudes towards perpetrators of sexual offenses, to present the most famous myths and stereotypes and to approach them critically, explaining them with scientific and statistical facts. Perpetrators of sexual offenses differ in their personal characteristics and reasons for committing sexual offenses, so for the purpose of rehabilitation, it is necessary to adapt the treatments to their needs. Rehabilitation is highlighted as a key step in preparing the offender to return to society after serving his sentence. Successful rehabilitation and social reintegration are considered as key prerequisites for reducing recidivism rates. However, a society in which stereotypes and discrimination rule can make this process difficult. Therefore, it is important to focus on educating the public about scientifically based facts and taking a critical attitude towards media reporting