Lives on the Registry: "When I got out, I was scared. My family was scared." - Scott's Story

Scott's story reminds us that there is life after coming out of prison. People on the sexual offense registry have many restrictions put on them, lose support of family members, and worry about being publicly shamed and shunned. Scott's message is that it is possible for a registered citizen to overcome the fear of being labelled a "sex offfender." It isn't always easy, but if a registrant allows fear to overwhelm them, rebuilding their lives can be a lot harder than it needs to be.
Lives on the Registry is a NARSOL project with one mission: to tell the stories of the one million-plus people listed on sexual offense registries across the US. We focus on their stories, their families, and their struggles to reintegrate back into a society that is often indifferent or hostile to them and their loved ones. We shed light on the oppressive laws that put people on this unconstitutional blacklist and keep many of them there for the rest of their lives without any hope of being removed, no matter how much they’ve changed or improved their own lives and the well-being of the community.
NARSOL is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization exclusively dedicated to defending the constitutional liberties of registered citizens and their families.NARSOL opposes dehumanizing registries and works to eliminate discrimination, banishment, and vigilantism against persons accused or convicted of sexual offenses through the use of impact litigation, public education, legislative advocacy, and media outreach in order to reintegrate and reconcile affected individuals and restore their constitutional rights.
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[@tammielawson6423]

Thanks for sharing

[@NARSOL]

Thanks for watching!

[@MexlycanFilmico]

Many Families are being riped apart by these Registry laws specially for Tier 1 offenses. This is just unconstitutional. Hope the Supreme Court sees the reality and injustice of these cases and abolish the registry.

[@NARSOL]

We agree. Unfortunately, abolishing the registry is not easy since every state has its own. Some state do not list registrants on tier one. We agree that the registry (among other things) should not be something the general public can access. We are one of only a handful of countries that allow that.

[@iamthatiam4637]

Abolish the registration is never gonna happen. That's the whole point is to make you suffer. That's why they made the registration. They just say it's for others things so they can get away with it. The government know wat they doing.

[@iamthatiam4637]

​@@NARSOL what states don't list tier 1. The registration is a joke. So is the public.

[@geroldgrimel4811]

Illegal imagery is an absurd concept. This man broke the law, but he did nothing wrong. Society has shown it's true colors by abusing this man. The greatest tragedy is that he has been brainwashed to believe that he should feel responsible for any of what he's been through.

[@NARSOL]

We do not advocate breaking laws, whether we agree with them or not. Our position is that once a person accepts responsibility for their actions and pays whatever debt society says they should, the slate should be wiped clean.

[@iamthatiam4637]

@@NARSOL well the things he did he payed for. So he deserves another chance. But regardless. Society is going to try to make you feel like a monster and harassed you. Even if u try not to ur self. This happen to many on the registry. But I encourage you. To keep living ur life. And keep people like those who want to treat u that way. Keep them out from ur life. Don't talk to them. As long as u know in ur heart who you are. You have nothing to prove. And he does this well.

[@NARSOL]

@@iamthatiam4637 We agree that people should be allowed the chance to become productive members of society. And registered citizens can recover and do so, so don't give up.

[@iamthatiam4637]

@@NARSOL life is about growing and helping others grow. Love and be compassion with others. All society teach is to want to be apart of it. Being a sex offender don't matter really. It's irrelevant. Look at what people do to each other. Say to one another. Who not so. It's just people who are so(sex offender) for so long they have that mentality. And don't realize what it's like living not being a sex offender. Like is not that big of a difference. I had a friend who was one. Nice dude. They would treat him badly at first untill I step in. Cause I believe love heals all. And if u treat someone like a monster they gonna become one. And dehumaniz someone you just contribute to them reoffending. And if u need to get away from them people to make ur life better cut them off. Society is not productive to it's self in my opinion. But that's just me. Cause people always try to compete with one another always try to fight and be better.

[@NARSOL]

@@iamthatiam4637 You are correct that it becomes difficult to move forward for a person who makes that term part of their identity. However, being on the registry does affect people--so more that others. But thank you for your support and for helping your friend.

[@vladimirchernov5866]

I attempted suicide on labor day because of the registry, and PTSD from the wars. I bled out. Heart stopped twice. Trauma center brought me back for some reason

[@GrannyGooseOnYouTube]

Find your strength. You have a purpose. -a mom

[@NARSOL]

Please consider joining the Connections social group on NARSOL (it's on our website). We have support groups for registrants.

[@ratailor8062]

Consider moving to a more understanding country if possible

[@CashApp-HelpMeStayAlive]

@@ratailor8062 How ? Where ? Im ready . Need Help

[@grahameward7505]

@@CashApp-HelpMeStayAlive I'm on The registry I'm ready to kill myself

[@joschawil]

"Any law repugnant to the Constitution is null and void" Justice Mshall, Marbury vs. Madison 5 US (Cranch) 137, 161, 167. But what happens is that those who enact laws as the registry outlines dont care one bit about the Constitution. They have learned and trained their behaviour to enact laws that violate the basest of victims-not children, but those on the registry-those with no voice, and no protectors.

[@NARSOL]

The courts have ruled these restrictions are not punishment but civil regulations, similar to getting a license. Even though that is an incorrect ruling, that is the basis of why they don't call them unconstitutional. Also, there is no federal registry. Each state has its own registry, and as long as the laws related to it are not ruled unconstitutional, they are free to do as they see fit. Many people, including registrants, are not aware of this.

[@joschawil]

@@NARSOL it says "any law", not "federal law", or "state law". I suppose that is why persons arguing before the court get nowhere

[@joschawil]

@@NARSOL when I sued the state in which I live, the AG cited a federal ruling in the case of "The us vs ExxonMobil mobile", I came prepared and sued the state in its official capacity. US v Excon mobile was a federal case. Being ready, although just me vs the state is why anyone can prevail

[@NARSOL]

Congratulations.

[@AtheosATFive]

The laws of problem that needs to be fixed for sure. Biggest problem however is the culture the lack of understanding and the fear. Fear that was mostly generated by aIs irresponsible and sensationalized press.

[@NARSOL]

Media (including popular tv shows that suggest there's predators everywhere) have contributed to the culture of fear.

[@kenmaples6856]

I was convicted in 98 and started sex offender therapy in 99. The therapy described in the video was a definitely a lot different than what I experienced. The group therapy I experienced was not meant to help the sex offender but rather hold them accountable. It was meant as punishment. I didn't think I could feel any worse about my offense until I was forced to attend therapy at $35 a session. The financial burden was only part. As a veteran I found I could attend therapy through the VA. I requested a transfer through my probation officer who reluctantly granted my request. The difference was night and day. Instead of being told I was a bad person I came to understand what I had done was bad but I am not a bad person and capable of change. I highly suggest for any veterans who find themselves in this situation to request sex offender therapy through the VA.

[@NARSOL]

Therapy is a thorny issue within the recovery process, especially when it is given in a situation where the therapist must report to probation or parole. In that case, the confidentiality needed for therapy does not exist. We are grateful that you found therapy that separated the act from the person. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same experience.

[@kenmaples6856]

@brownincel6018 nothing wrong with being employed. Never be ashamed of what you do.

[@kenmaples6856]

@brownincel6018 here in the states there is a worker shortage. I have long since been ready to retire but I work for a small struggling businessman. He can't find anyone wanting to work. I keep telling him I'll probably work till the day I die but I hope I don't have to work that much longer. I can't quit because I've given up on too many things in my life.

[@Skipbo000]

Excellent! I can do it! The registry isn't really that bad after all!

[@NARSOL]

People overcome the additional hurdles of the registry. But if you are new to the registry, it is something you can survive.

[@undefined4051]

How’s it been so far, still think that way?

[@undefined4051]

Answer me. Or maybe you got your internet privileges taken away and won’t see this years later?

[@Skipbo000]

true, I didn't get the death penalty. can you imagine if Martin Luther King's message by the end of the day was, "you'll overcome these hurdles. don't worry about, you'll survive?" I can see why we've made so little progress over the last 20 years. The hurdles are really "overcomeable," we'll survive." That's not how we're gonna change this.

[@CuriousPerson2206]

@@undefined4051forgive people

[@mikecynic5167]

I don't care about this guy's happiness.

[@thetruthorossa118]

Fear will kill are children you are all the same self-centred and you have made it about you not your victims

[@NARSOL]

First, hurting children in any way is not acceptable. But accusing all registrants as being the same and self-centered would be like us accusing all commentators of being trolls.

[@joschawil]

@@NARSOL Dont parents teach children th fear these people? Dont parents lead by example? ( Let me know if I'm barking up the wrong tree here,) Was it the guy on the registry who told them to be afraid? Or was it the parent who cant wrap their head around people trying to live freely?

[@joschawil]

I will answer, though I know deaf ears are always deaf. What are they afraid of? If it is fear for the sake of living in fear, then there is greatness in locking neighborhoods inside all of the occupants houses for the sake of being afraid. If it is a fear of the unknown, neighbors of those on the list are to be feared just-just look up Who has been murdered at their doorsteps by those seeking vigilante attacks lodged upon those on the list. If it is to fear those on the registry, what are they doing to their neighbors? Nothing. It is just an emotional plea to keep the registry in place so that neighbors have a reason to incarcerate themselves inside of their homes. There are other issues, all of which fall under the guise of violating persons rights in order to seek a reason for the registry. I earn $50k/year. I am no fool. Perhaps those seeking to keep the registry should assess their own motives.

[@joschawil]

They brought you back in order to subject you to your everlasting punishment.

[@NARSOL]

He completed the punishment that he was given. But why should an individual continue to have limitations imposed upon them? Unjust registry laws make it difficult for individuals to become productive citizens.

[@joschawil]

@@NARSOL I wondered if I was the only person to understand the "Punishment" part. Every stone headed judge believes the registry is a privilege-not a punishment.

[@iamthatiam4637]

​@@joschawil it's a punishment. I have a friend on the registration for cp. He been on for 5 years and been getting endless harassment. And threat's. And even I been treated harshly at times for being around him so me and him meet up far away. It's sad. I'm all he got and everyone left him. Idk what to do. At his work and home. Apparently I'm the only he told what happened out of fear.

[@joschawil]

@@NARSOL Impossible, dangerous, inconceivable, incapable, deadly, fearful, unable, try being convinced.

[@davenaylor6384]

These lists are great. They uncovered two predators that were dressing in drag to read to little kids in public libraries.

[@NARSOL]

This story from Houston does not indicate that the registry helped. The library failed to perform a background check. Individuals who were trying to find out if the individual in question was on the registry would have had to do a lot of sleuthing since the drag performer went under a different name. However, your comment is an example of how difficult it is for registrants to reenter society and lead productive lives. The individual in the story had served his time and was attempting to rebuild their life. NARSOL believes no child should ever be hurt. We also believe that individuals who have completed their sentences should be given a second chance. Finally, the risk of reoffending among registrants is lower than those who commit other serious crimes.

[@davenaylor6384]

@@NARSOL Do you know what the rate of recidivism is in citys before and after these lists were created?

[@NARSOL]

@@davenaylor6384 If your point is that the registries stop sexual crimes, then there should be an overall decrease in sex crimes, which there isn't. The majority of sex crimes are committed by people the victims know, so the registries don't help in those cases. Also, if registries were effective, then why don't we use them for all felony crimes? In most countries that have registries, they are not public. This helps law enforcement track registrants. If someone needs to know if a job applicant is on the registry, they can request that information. That is a more rational approach to the registry. We do appreciate that you engaged with us in a thoughtful matter.

[@davenaylor6384]

@@NARSOL You didn't answer the question. Of course not. And for our law enforcement keeping track. I thought you wanted to defund law enforcement.

[@NARSOL]

@@davenaylor6384 We believe that law enforcement officers should not be judged by the actions of the few. There are many fine people serving the community. And we do not nor have we ever supported a "defund law enforcement" movement. As to answering your question--no we do not have data on the rate in each city. That would require us to have data for those cities. But if your point is that a registry prevents crime, then we should have one for every crime. I should be able to look on a map and see which of my neighbors have been found guilty of burglary, assault, attempted murder, and more.

[@FuManBoobs]

Happy for those who are successful but for others, myself included, I feel that forces outside of my control keep me down and out. Once you get that label you need to be luckier than average to make a decent life. I've been on for other 20 years now and I've never had a family, never earned above minimum wage, never had the opportunity to do more than low paid manual labour, can't afford a car, still live with family, and still treated with suspicion.

[@NARSOL]

Living on the registry is a struggle, and many face the same hurdles that you do. Some of our videos tell stories of people who have created decent lives. One avenue is becoming self-employment.

[@FuManBoobs]

@@NARSOL Yeah, for sure, I do appreciate your content and I'm really happy to see people convicted of crimes like mine rising above all the push back from society & legislation. What works for some won't work for others though. It's similar to videos saying "This is how I became a millionaire, and you can too". Sure, all things being equal...but so much is out of our control and realising that luck plays a factor should guide us towards seeing what actually needs to be changed in order for others to succeed in life too. If we promote the self responsibility type belief then it's almost like supporting the restrictions because we'd then have to ignore the external influences acting upon us. It's a deep and difficult subject and gets into notions of the lack of free will and other hurdles societies need to overcome before we can truly be civilised(IMO).

[@mikecynic5167]

What about your victim(s) and their families that you've destroyed? Even just looking at CP is victimizing that person again. I'm sorry your life is hard, but you made your bed. Good luck, bud.

[@nicoletrelstad4031]

You are the reason why people are still doing this to children! What if they were your kids? Sick!

[@NARSOL]

We do not believe that children should be abused, and we believe that people who abuse children should be punished. You say we are the reason people abuse children. However, the facts don't support that claim. The majority of children are abused by a family member, not a random stranger. The following page links to numerous independent studies that have similar facts. So people who have committed abuse against children might have been family members, in most cases their contact will be limited--not by the registry but by other family members. Meanwhile, most new cases of abuse will be done by individuals not on the registry. The registry does not protect those children. www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/people/sexabuse/

[@ThisOldHelmet]

⁠@@NARSOL By viewing the material he helps to create a market for it and that perpetuates abuse. He is absolutely part of the reason why this material exists.

[@iamthatiam4637]

​@@ThisOldHelmet u dragging it out. U act like he the one producing it. That's a fundimental difference. Get the people making it not the people watching it. Not saying either is good. But just saying. Get the people making it.