NCJ Number
233355
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 8 Dated: November 2010 Pages: 777-786
Date Published
November 2010
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article examines the problem of child sex offender suicides and the effects that is has on victims and their families.
Abstract
This paper explores the issues and widespread impact surrounding child sex offenders (CSO) who commit suicide after learning they are under criminal investigation. This phenomenon, which has received scant attention in the literature, affects family, friends, and victims of offenders who may experience a range of conflicting emotions including anger, guilt, confusion, betrayal, and loss. Involved law enforcement may, likewise, experience a range of complex reactions. Law enforcement personnel are neither trained nor required to assess offenders' suicidality. However, awareness of how CSOs are impacted by an investigation may mitigate the risk of suicide and enhance operational strategies, including officer safety. References (Published Abstract)