1. 1 Educating the Community About Sexual Assault and About a Comprehensive Approach to the Management of Sex Offenders in the Community

2. 2 Section 4 The Role of the Community

3. 3 Section 4—Learning Objectives To assist community members to: zIdentify the rationale for community member’s involvement in the community’s response to sexual assault, including the management of sex offenders. zLearn about places to contact to get more involved in reducing sexual assault.

4. 4 To Enhance Community Safety, Community Members Can... zTalk openly about the issue. zUnderstand the issues, and know the statistics. zAssume responsibility. zTalk to children about personal safety issues.

5. 5 To Enhance Community Safety, Community Members Can... (continued) zTake steps to reduce your own risk of sexual assault. zInvite local law enforcement, probation/parole, and victim advocacy groups to neighborhood discussion groups. zCommunicate with neighbors. zOrganize neighborhood block watches.

6. 6 To Enhance Community Safety, Community Members Can... (continued) zStart now to be educated. Don’t wait until you are told a sex offender is living nearby. zGet involved in primary prevention. zFind out the statistics about sexual assault in your community. zBeware of the media’s ability to sensationalize the most horrific stories.

7. 7 How Community Members Can Help zAccept that sex offenders will and do live in communities. zUnderstand that supervising sex offenders in the community is a complex intervention, but a necessary one.  Refrain from ostracizing sex offenders or their families.

8. 8 How Community Members Can Help (continued) zUse appropriate channels for concerns. zEducate yourself and loved ones about the dangers of sexual assault. zHelp to educate their neighbors and friends. zAssist in monitoring behavior and activities, where appropriate.