Facts About Sex Offenders

Facts about Sex Offenders

  • There are approximately 750,000 registered sex offenders in the United States.
  • There are approximately 250,000 convicted sex offenders under criminal justice supervision in the community.
  • Most sex offenders (80-95%) assault people they know.


  • At least half of convicted child molesters report that they also have sexually assaulted an adult.
  • Over 80% of convicted adult rapists report that they have molested children.
  • Approximately one-third of sex offenders report assaulting both males and females. Research shows that most convicted sex offenders have committed many, assaults before they are caught.
  • Most sex offenders report that they have committed multiple types of sexual assault (sexual assault crimes include exhibitionism, voyeurism, oral sex, vaginal penetration, attempted penetration, fondling, and incest).
  • Over two-thirds of offenders who reported committing incest also report they assaulted victims outside the family.
  • Studies of victims have shown less than 30% of sex crimes are reported to law enforcement.
  • Young victims who know or are related to the perpetrator are less likely to report the crime to authorities.

    Source: Colorado Bureau of Investigation Convicted Sex Offender Website.

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