NCJ Number
165090
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Issue: 1 Dated: (1997) Pages: 329-348
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the professional literature on incest offenders and recognizes that sexual abuse of children has emerged as a widespread and multifaceted social problem.
Abstract
The lack of research on characteristics and treatment needs of incest offenders has been due in part to prevailing social views that incest offenders cannot change and that sexual abuse is ingrained in the personality of incest offenders. Mental health professionals, however, are beginning to view many incest offenders as being capable of change. With a larger number of incest offenders being prosecuted and mandated into treatment, mental health professionals have begun to search for the most appropriate intervention strategies. All programs share the common goal of eliminating further sexual abuse and agree the incest offender needs to take responsibility for his actions. Although the programs strive to help men gain control of their behavior, they use different treatment approaches. Characteristics of incest offenders are described, including gender, personality, sexual orientation, number of victims, patterns of sexual arousal, and neurological anomalies. The discussion of treatment options for incest offenders focuses on individual, group, and family therapy; psychoeducational skills training; behavioral treatments; chemical castration; and relapse prevention. The article concludes with a review of available data on recidivism. 59 references