Sex Offense/Crime

A sexual act that is criminal because of physical coercion or a lack of consent to participate in the act. Common sex crimes include rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, marital rape, exhibitionism and voyeurism, sexual harassment, prostitution, and sex with animals. Ownership or viewing of child pornography is also a sex crime. Megan's law requires sex offenders to register with the local law enforcement when they are released from prison and move into an area. Parents of children in local schools and neighbors are then notified of the offender's presence. Many jurisdictions have adopted laws that prohibit sex offenders from living within a certain distance of where children congregate, such as schools or playgrounds. Most recently, penalties for sex offen ders have been increased, with some states requiring confinement (civil commitment) in a psychiatric insti tution after serving a prison sentence.