NCJ Number
227689
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2009 Pages: 320-338
Date Published
June 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined the views of a sample of adult male child sexual abusers on prison sex offender treatment.
Abstract
The majority of offenders in this study found the Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) very helpful in dealing with their offending, with the victim awareness and empathy aspects of treatment proving most helpful. In addition, offenders highlighted the importance of motivation and of wanting help to desist from future offending, the need to change attitudes prior to release, and the need to continuing support to enable the application of skills and knowledge to everyday living. Those participating in the study also felt that group work was not the "best fit" for those at high risk of reoffending and that in some cases could prove harmful. Despite the increased focus on the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders over the last two decades, debate still persists as to the effectiveness of treatment in reducing recidivism. In this study, the views of 35 adult male child sexual abusers were considered on a prison treatment program, SOTP. The study focused on several key themes, such as victim empathy, strategies for desistence, group or individual treatment, motivation, and post-program support. Tables and references