Can Sex Offenders Be Rehabilitated? - The need for Pedo-Warehouses Explained

There have been number of sexual abuse cases involving children recently in Las Vegas. Can these offenders be rehabilitated?

The law may be black and white, but recovery for the victim and the offender is a dark shade of gray.

“In the classic textbook definition of pedophilia, you're not going to 'cure' that person," said psychologist Louis Mortillaro.

Some people say to throw the book at sex offenders, while others think rehabilitation will keep the ex-con from doing it again.

"The chronic pedophiles, the guys who go to prison, get out, a month or two later, go through the same process," Mortillaro said.

There is a perception that many sex offenders will repeat their crimes. However, studies by the U.S. Department of Justice show those rates are much lower than many may think. Up to 20 percent will re-offend within five years.

But perhaps the most startling number is this – 70 percent of men convicted were victims themselves as children.

Can the cycle be stopped? Mortillaro said sometimes it can be.

"There comes a time when all the psychotherapy in the world, treatment, just doesn't help these people. They need to be warehoused in a place where they can never offend again," Mortillaro said.

Experts said for some it might work, but for others, their crimes fly under the radar, perpetuating the circle of abuse.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte