Experts: Don’t rely on Megan’s Law to prevent sexual violence

Advocates for offenders say Megan’s Law registries continue to punish them even after they have served their sentence.

“The intent of the Megan’s Law registry is commendable,” said Jenny Murphy-Shifflet, executive director of the Sexual Assault Recourse and Counseling Center of Lebanon County (SARCC).

“I understand that its goal was to reduce sexual violence.

The reality is that we haven’t seen any outcomes indicating that these goals have been reached.”

“Megan’s Law is almost like the Scarlet letter.

They think it’s going to be easy to identify (sexual offenders),” agreed Kristen Houser, chief public affairs officer for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. “The reality is, most offenders hide in plain sight.”