Understanding the Crime of Sexual Assault

The recent high profile public stories about the crime of sexual assault heighten everyone's awareness on the issue. Whether it's Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson or Brent Brents, it's important to heighten awareness about the crime of sexual assault.

Although most people fear the idea of a stranger related sex assault, the reality is that the greatest risk comes from someone known to the victim.

Approximately 84% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. And nearly 90% of sexual assaults against children are committed by someone these young victims know.*

In Colorado, every city and county has lists of sex offenders living in the jurisdiction; however, many offenders aren't even included in the registry. Those convicted prior to 1991 and those who have offended, but have not yet been detected or convicted, will not show on any registry.

"It's important for parents to understand that the registry doesn't include all sexual offenders. A huge danger to children is the 'undetected' offender, frequently a person that the family knows. Such offenders haven't been caught, convicted and registered," said Cynthia Stone, Media Coordinator of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

"Once convicted, the requirements for registration of sex offenders, combined with public access to that information, can begin the process of community awareness," said (Retired) Chief Ron Sloan of the Arvada Police Department. "Caution must be exercised upon over-reliance on sex offender registration to prevent future victimization."

Effective prevention of sexual assault includes education and tools provided to the entire community.

* These stats are from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault