Atlanta, GA – October 20, 2025 – The National Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (NARSOL) proudly announces that John Dawe, Managing Director of Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL) and NARSOL’s Marketing Director has been named 2025 Advocate of the Year. The honor was presented during the 2025 NARSOL National Conference held this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. “John’s…
Read More
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s registry. Thirty years. That’s three decades of a policy born in the “tough-on-crime” panic of the 1990s, still alive today despite overwhelming evidence that it doesn’t make communities safer. As a PFR, I know what it means to live under a system that has barely changed since its inception. At its core,…
Read More
A common feeling amongst formerly incarcerated persons and persons forced to register is anger: anger for the way they were treated in prison and anger over the lifelong hardships which seem to lie ahead. But anger is often just a sign of other feelings buried deeper. When someone is displaying anger, it’s useful to ask, “What are you afraid of.”…
Read More
“Hi, I’m Ashley, a person forced to register and I know all too well how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel.” – I have the privilege of facilitating Fearless, a support group that has changed my life and the lives of so many others. Like most of the people who attend, Society has a way of making us feel…
Read More
Today the U.S. Sentencing Commission released its 2025 amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The amendments will take effect in 6 months unless Congress overrides them. ACTION NEEDED:USSC is seeking comment on retroactivity of the amendments. Comment Deadline: June 2 ANALYSIS: The below analysis uses the term “sex offender” in direct quote reference to the USSC’s language in the guidelines…
Read More
I’m always reminded of the importance of advocacy for one’s self. I know how crucial it is in overcoming the barriers they face in housing, employment, and reintegration as I am one of them too. Without self-advocacy and strong ally support, the challenges imposed by the registry can feel insurmountable. However, I believe that by speaking up and pushing for…
Read More
Mr. Robert Roberson was wrongfully convicted in 2003 of murdering his 2 year old daughter, convicted on the basis of “junk science,” but arrested because of the way he acted. His “flat affect” — meaning he didn’t show his emotions — while in the emergency room with her raised the suspicions of hospital staff, leading to his arrest. “His attorneys have…
Read More
The Pennsylvania Superior Court’s recent (21 Mar 2025) decision in Commonwealth v. Davis (No. 1038 MDA 2023) presents a complex legal issue regarding the constitutionality of mandatory life sentences for repeat offenders convicted of distributing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Background Joseph J. Davis was convicted of two counts each of sexual abuse of children (distribution of child sexual abuse…
Read More