This document summarizes a study published in Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment in 2009, which analyzed child sex crime rates on Halloween. The study aimed to determine whether Halloween posed an increased risk for nonfamilial child sexual abuse, as some states and municipalities have implemented policies restricting sex offenders’ activities during Halloween based on concerns about heightened risks.
Using data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from 1997 to 2005, the study analyzed 67,045 cases of nonfamilial sex crimes against children aged 12 and under. The findings revealed no significant increase in child sex crime rates on Halloween or the two days prior, compared to other days of the year. Victim and offender characteristics, types of offenses, and victim-offender relationships were consistent with other days. The study also found that sex crimes against children accounted for less than 0.2% of all Halloween crime incidents, with vandalism and property destruction being more prevalent.
The study concluded that Halloween does not pose an unusual risk for child sexual abuse, and the policies targeting sex offenders during Halloween may be addressing a non-existent problem. It suggested that law enforcement resources might be better allocated to address more significant risks, such as pedestrian-vehicle accidents, which are notably higher on Halloween. The study also highlighted the need for evidence-based policymaking and questioned the effectiveness of Halloween-specific sex offender restrictions.