Japanese Sexual Offenders: A Descriptive Study

Young adult male offenders in Japanese correctional institutions were questioned confidentially about their history of sexual abuse. The self‐reported information showed that when the sexual abuse went undetected, the relationships between abuser and victim were closer, and more victims were reported to be under the influence of substances. At the same time, the nature of the sexual abuse was even more serious among self‐reported‐only (undetected) offenders in terms of direct sexual acts. In terms of unhealthy sexual preference and childhood sexual victimization, sexual abusers reported higher level of problems comparing to nonsexual abusers. Self‐reported‐only sexual abusers identified even more problems than officially identified sexual offenders. The results suggest that when we focus only on the characteristics shown by officially identified sexual offenders, we may overlook important risk and need factors that should be addressed in psychotherapy for preventing future reoffending.     

The effect of sexual priming cues on emotional recognition in nonviolent child sexual abusers: a preliminary study

This article describes a study that used a computer-based task to investigate the emotional recognition skills of child sexual abusers. The experiment consisted of two phases (prime and probe) and measured both response time and error rates to facial expressions. The priming phase of the experiment consisted of the presentation of short phrases via computer of either sexual or neutral content. The probe phase of the experiment consisted of the presentation of adult facial expressions depicting either the emotion fear or surprise. Results showed child sexual abusers to be slightly less accurate overall. Furthermore, contrary to prediction, the effect of sexual priming appeared to make child sexual abusers actually better at recognizing fearful faces (p = .055). This result is discussed in relation to current victim empathy theory and treatment implications for sexual offenders.     

Experiences of engaging in psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual offending behaviours: A meta-synthesis

Abstract

This meta-synthesis explores individuals' experiences of engaging in psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual offending. The findings of ten qualitative studies were integrated and five over-arching concepts emerged: (1) incentives and inhibitions: to engage or not to engage?; (2) help or hindrance: the impact of others in therapy; (3) the abused and the abuser: perspectives for transformation; (4) struggling and striving: dealing with distress and difficulties and (5) what works: inside and outside. A line of argument derived from these concepts is proposed as a framework for understanding sex offenders' experiences of therapy and highlights aspects of treatment programmes that need further exploration or emphasis. Using qualitative accounts can improve the responsiveness of treatment programmes, but such research is currently limited. Future qualitative studies and reviews could help further improve the effectiveness of treatment programmes, and thereby reduce the rate of sexual reoffending.     

Review on female sexual offenders: findings about profile and personality

Introduction

Although in the past sexual abuse was perceived as an issue connected only with males the contemporary literature is placing increasing emphasis on the role of female sexual perpetrators. There is still disagreement about the definition of sexual abuse, the frequency that it occurs and the characteristics of the women that are sexual abusers.

Methods

Thorough research of the main databases (MEDLINE and PsycInfo), for case reviews and studies along with restriction on European and North American literature, is due to perceived culture differences. Further investigation for relevant studies through web search engines such as Google, locates agencies and organizations that are interested and connected to sexual abuse issues.

Results

Distinction between sexual offense and sexual abuse has as a result difference in the characteristics of female sexual perpetrators. They are mainly young (age up to 36 years old), friends or relatives of the victim, using more persuasion and psychological coercion and legally charged in a lesser extent compared with male abusers. However the psychological consequences for the victim can be more severe.

Conclusion

A unanimous view of what is female sexual abuse is difficult to reach. Often it is under reported, unrecognized or considered ethically more acceptable than male abuse. It is also connected with an increased self-report of history of sexual abuse of the perpetrators. A typology of female sexual abusers should be developed. Treatments focusing on different psychological interventions along with prevention and public awareness can be a powerful tool in reduction of sexual abuse perpetrated by females.     

Acceptance and completion of treatment among sex offenders

A sample of 778 male sex offenders, assessed from the 1960s to the 2000s, was examined on expressed desire for treatment, treatment attendance, and completion of at least one course of therapy. A variety of treatment approaches was used, reflecting practices of the times. Overall, 50.6% expressed a desire for treatment, 42.0% attended, and 13.6% completed therapy. Offenders' admitter status, criminal history, age, education, and marital status all played some role in desire for treatment, attendance, and completion. Analysis revealed that the desire for and completing treatment has declined over time. Offenders who were exhibitionists or substance abusers or who scored higher on psychopathy, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or learning difficulties or had head injuries were more likely to enter treatment but were no more likely to complete it than were offenders who scored low. The need to focus on motivating different types of sex offenders to accept and participate in treatment is discussed.     

Predicting dropout from a residential programme for adolescent sexual abusers using pre-treatment variables and implications for recidivism

Abstract

This study addresses the prediction that dropout from a UK specialized residential treatment program for adolescent sexual abusers can be determined from pre-treatment variables. Participants were 49 adolescents aged 12–16?years, who had sexually abused children, peers/adults or both. Of the variables examined, 25 showed a significant association with treatment dropout. A scale, consisting of 20 items, was designed to predict treatment dropout. As a measure it showed internal consistency (alpha?=?0.84) and predictive validity. Treatment dropout was linked to a greater risk of recidivism: offences of a general; violent; and combined violent or sexual nature. Missing data confounded the overall small sample size; therefore, a brief checklist of factors associated with dropout was produced as a guide for treatment managers and clinicians.     

Female sex offenders: severe victims and victimizers

Although there is an extensive body of literature concerning male sexual offenders, there is a marked lack of articles describing sexual offenses committed by females. The authors present a review of the existing literature on this topic and describe five cases of female sexual offenders and four cases of female sexual abusers. Implications for the effective assessment and treatment of this unique population are discussed.     

The relationship between risk,deviance, treatment outcome and sexual reconviction in a sample of child sexual abusers completing residential treatment for their offending

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between static and dynamic risk and reconviction in a sample of child sexual abusers who had completed a long-term residential treatment programme for their sexual behaviour problems. Results found that only High/Very High risk men as measured by a static risk assessment schedule (Risk Matrix 2000) were reconvicted for sexual offences (17% over a 2-year period, 42% over a 5-year period). Results also showed that it was generally men who were rated as a high level of dynamic risk that were reconvicted for a sexual offence (13% versus 5% over a 2-year period; 44% versus 10% over a 5-year period). The study also indicated the benefits of residential treatment for such High risk/High Deviance men in that no men who left the programme having responded to treatment had been reconvicted for sexual offences at either follow-up period.     

Predicting the occurrence of stalking in relationships characterized by domestic violence

A high correlation has been found between domestic violence and stalking. However, very few studies have examined what factors predict the occurrence of stalking in relationships characterized by domestic violence. Using in-depth interviews with victims of domestic violence whose cases have gone through the criminal justice system, this article explores this issue. It was found that experiences of stalking by their abusers were very prevalent in this group of domestic violence victims. In terms of predicting stalking, domestic violence victims who were not in a relationship with their abuser, whose abusers had an alcohol or drug problem, who experienced more controlling behaviors by their abusers, and who had experienced prior stalking by their abusers were at the greatest risk of experiencing more severe stalking. Implications for intervention are discussed.     

Risk, Need, And Responsivity (RNR): It All Depends

Target populations have always been a thorny issue for correctional programs, primarily in response to the question "what works for whom?" In this experiment of seamless treatment for probationers in two sites, offenders were randomly assigned to the seamless model (drug treatment incorporated into probation supervision) or traditional referral model to services in the community. The experiment blocked on risk level, using a version of the Wisconsin Risk Tool, to measure the differential effects on rearrest and substance abuse. The seamless system model improved treatment participation with greater gains for the high-risk offenders in both sites. Yet, no main effects were observed on drug use or rearrest, although effect sizes illustrate that small effects can be observed for the high-risk offenders and the direction of the effect size demonstrates negative effects for moderate-risk offenders in one of the sites. Part of the failure to observe main effects may be due to instrumentation and measurement problems, namely that many of the substance abusers in the experiment had low severity substance abuse problems and the majority of the offenders were marijuana users which has a weaker crime-drug linkage. Study findings illustrate the importance of theoretically driven and dynamic risk and need measures. The focus on sound dynamic factors may assist with identifying the appropriate target populations for correctional interventions.     

Exploring gender differences in dating violence/harassment prevention programming in middle schools: results from a randomized experiment

In this study, we randomly assigned 123 sixth and seventh grade classrooms from seven middle schools in the greater Cleveland area to one of two five-session curricula addressing gender violence/sexual harassment (GV/SH) or to a no-treatment control group. A baseline survey and two follow-up surveys were administered immediately after the treatment (Wave 2) and about six months post-treatment (Wave 3). In an earlier paper, we demonstrated the effectiveness of two approaches to youth GV/SH prevention programming (a fact-based, law and justice curriculum and an interaction-based curriculum). In this paper, we explored whether these largely positive findings remain for both girls and boys, including whether girls experience higher levels of GV/SH than boys. Most of our statistical models proved to be non-statistically significant. However, in 2 of our 48 victimization/perpetration (any violence, sexual violence and non-sexual violence) models (across two post-intervention follow-up points), we observed that the interventions reduced peer (male or female, non-dating partner) sexual violence victimization and reduced peer perpetration, but another outcome model indicated that the interventions increased dating perpetration. These mixed findings will need to be explored further in future research. Regarding our primary research question, we observed no statistically significant differences for the treatment multiplied by gender interaction terms for any of the perpetration or victimization outcome models, suggesting that the treatment had similar effects on girls and boys. However, we did observe that boys are more involved in violence than girls: both as victims and perpetrators. Boys experienced significantly more of three types of victimization from peers and dating partners compared to what girls experienced at the hands of their peers and dating partners. As perpetrators, boys committed more sexual victimization against peers (immediately post-intervention only) and more sexual victimization against dating partners than girls. The implications of these results are discussed.     

Intimate sexual violence in the United States: Social work and family therapy interventions

Abstract

This article defines what is meant by intimate sexual violence and provides a brief historical context to this phenomenon. The incidence and impact of intimate sexual violence are clarified and discussed, as are the various factors contributing to this abusive behaviour. Current literature on intimate sexual violence in the United States is reviewed and differing approaches to responding to incidents of intimate sexual violence are identified as they might inform assessment and treatment options.

Taking intimate sexual violence seriously has implications for contraceptive counselling, abortion counselling, mental health counselling and family therapy. The article aims to inform practitioners of the essential issues surrounding intimate sexual violence, so that whenever intimate sexual violence is suspected, the social worker or family therapist can assess and intervene in a responsive and effective manner.     

The Abuse Problem

The sexual abuse of children is not new, it's newly uncovered. The authorities are receiving more complaints. The media is showing interest. The public is becoming aware. Its details are not pretty, they can repel and disgust and bring on demands for retribution. The numbers are large, Patterns are beginning to take shape showing who the victims are and who the abusers, and why. The impact is becoming known and it is huge. What one father does to his three children can grow in geometric proportions as those children each do the same to their three children, and these to theirs. The impact on crime is just becoming known: sexually abused children are prone to criminal activities and may well be a major cause of crime. The impact of false reports is also becoming know. The Salem witch trials are always before us. The possibilities of false accusation out of revenge or on a dare, or in a pique are not new, accusations satisfy a child's need for attention and status, and other children may see the possibilities for themselves. But where the sexual abuse is within the family, a hard choice must be made: to punish the offender heavily or to work with the abuser and the family to prevent future abuse. You cannot do both. It appears that the courts can bring highly beneficial results: they can provide comfort for a child victim, but more, they can provide treatment for that child and reduce the pain and guilt and fears and for that child break the cycle of abused children abusing their children who abuse their children who abuse. The courts can provide comfort for a family, but more, they can provide rehabilitation for most families where there has been abuse, restoring their strength and security. The courts can prosecute the abuser and punish him, but more, they can instead often provide rehabilitation for the abuser which is a surer way of preventing a recurrence than the disgrace of a prison. Much needs to be discovered. But from what is now know, the courts and the police and the social agencies need to be sensitized to the problem in all of its aspects. The opportunities for positive accomplishment are great.     

Personal construct psychotherapy: Fixed-role therapy with forensic clients

Abstract

Fixed-role therapy, a dramaturgical approach to psychotherapy developed by Kelly in 1955, has been used in a variety of situations over the years with various client groups, including criminal offenders. Some of the benefits and limitations of fixed-role therapy with sexual abusers will be discussed. It is suggested that the strengths of some offenders, such as the social skills necessary to succeed at confidence games, be recognized and directed in fixed-role sessions. Illustrations of a number of issues will be drawn from two clinical case examples.     

THE INEQUITY AND INAPPROPRIATENESS OF APPLYING STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS TO CIVIL ACTIONS ARISING FROM CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE

This research examines the long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse, the unique circumstances surrounding such abuse, and how these circumstances lead to victims being unable to expeditiously initiate civil action against their abusers. The unfairness and the inappropriateness of applying traditional time limitation principals to plaintiff victims of childhood sexual abuse are then discussed. Finally, a more equitable test to be applied to cases involving actions by adult victims of childhood sexual abuse against their abusers is proposed.     

Cognitive-behavioral group treatment for male spouse abusers

Two studies evaluating cognitive-behavioral treatment programs for male spouse abusers are reported.³ Both programs resulted in significant reductions in both indirect and direct threats of violence and direct and severe violence towards spouses. Study 1 identified reduced levels of guilt proneness and increased levels of group conformity as a result of the intervention program. In addition, changes in attitudes toward love were noted from pre- to post-test indicating greater physical attraction, intensity of emotion, and commitment to the lover. Changes were maintained at a six month follow-up. Study 2 evaluated a modified cognitive-behavioral treatment formal that focused more on communication, problem-solving, and sexual attitudes and practices. All levels of violence were significantly reduced and changes in endorsement of sexual attitudes were noted. In addition, males showed lower levels of passive-aggressiveness and increasing levels of narcissism as a function of treatment. Implications for program development and research are discussed.     

Predicting multiple victim versus single victim sexual abuse: an examination of distal factors and proximal factors associated with the first abuse incident

Abstract

Official and confidential self-report data on 83 convicted adult male sexual abusers were analysed to examine whether sexual offending progression can be better predicted from distal antecedents, or from proximal antecedents and outcomes associated with the first sexual abuse incident. Fifty-six offenders who sexually abused more than one victim (multiple victim offenders; MVOs) were compared to 27 offenders who sexually abused a single victim only (single victim offenders; SVOs). MVOs were younger at the time of their first sexual abuse incident, and were more likely to first abuse male and non-familial children. With the exception of sexual attraction to male children, no differences were found between the two groups on distal antecedents. Proximal antecedents and outcomes associated with the first sexual abuse incident were significantly related to multiple victim offending. Logistic regression analysis identified the presence of sexual difficulties in the month prior to the first abuse incident, and sexual excitement immediately preceding the first incident, as significant unique predictors. Implications for risk assessment and risk management are discussed, and future research directions proposed.     

Self-esteem and its relationship to sexual offending

Abstract

The concept of self-esteem and its measurement, and its relationship to self-efficacy, is examined. From this survey of the research, and from what is known about sexual offenders, it is proposed that self-esteem plays a role in the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending. Inferences are then made concerning the need to enhance the self-esteem of sexual offenders and procedures for doing this are outlined. Finally, the need for more extensive research of the self-esteem of sexual offenders is made dear.