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Summary: Undetected Sex Perversion (NZ Truth, 28 March 1925)
On 28 March 1925, a report surfaced highlighting alarming statistics regarding sexual offenders in the prison system, indicating that nearly 20% of the current prison population consists of such criminals. Over the past five years, more than 350 individuals were sentenced by the Supreme Courts for sexual crimes, primarily involving indecent assaults on females. There were also significant cases of assaults on males and other sexual offenses contributing to the overall figures, suggesting that the recorded statistics likely represent just a fraction of actual incidents occurring in society. The report emphasized the significance of a recent inquiry into the issue of sex perversion, which has prompted public discourse on the severity of the problem. Experts believe that sexual offenses are pervasive, and the committee tasked with the inquiry posits that many such cases go unreported and remain hidden from law enforcement. The document pointed out that among the offenders not often brought before the courts are homosexuals within high society who engage in sexual perversion under the guise of artistic expression. It acknowledged that sexual perversion often goes unrecognized, particularly self-directed behaviors that may not harm others yet contribute to societal problems, such as feeble-mindedness. Justice authorities had previously addressed sexual crime through punitive measures within the prison system—including hard labor and flogging—yet these approaches have proven ineffective in reducing sexual offenses. A concerning insight from the Chief Inspector of Prisons suggested that many of the middle-aged sexual perverts in custody are beyond rehabilitation, advocating for their lifelong segregation. The report also referenced discussions among eugenics advocates who have long contemplated the complexities surrounding sexual offenders. While surgical intervention has been proposed as a potential solution, results in American practices have been mediocre. The report proposed the establishment of a "Eugenics Board" in New Zealand to further assess the issue, alongside recommending "indeterminate sentences" that would allow authorities to detain offenders indefinitely if necessary. Another recommendation included the employment of a qualified psychiatrist to accurately classify offenders, indicating a shift towards a more informed approach to understanding and addressing sexual perversion. The overall sentiment reflected in the report is one of hope that the advancements in psychological research may lead to effective strategies for treating and potentially rehabilitating sexual offenders. The inquiry into sexual perversion thus aims to shine a light on a dark part of society and explore methods that could lead to meaningful resolutions.
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