NCJ Number
199221
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 46-48
Date Published
September 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study identified the characteristics and determined the recidivism patterns of Inuit sex offenders compared to non-Aboriginal sex offenders.
Abstract
The study sample consisted of 37 Inuit sex offenders and 1,937 non-Aboriginal sex offenders. In addition, a 12-year follow-up of 37 Inuit and 37 non-Aboriginal sex offenders was conducted to examine recidivism patterns. Data were obtained from the Offender Management System and the 1991 National Sex Offender Census. Overall, Inuit and non-Aboriginal sex offenders differed in several areas, including age, type of victim, sex, victim age, and rates of recidivism. Although there were no significant differences between Inuit and non-Aboriginal sex offenders on the average number of victims, they differed in their choice of victims. Significantly larger proportions of Inuit sex offenders victimized adult women (68 percent versus 50 percent), and significantly less Inuit offenders victimized male children (0 percent versus 11 percent). Also, Inuit sex offenders were significantly more likely to be under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs in their current sexual offense compared with non-Aboriginal sex offenders (88 percent versus 61 percent). Regarding recidivism, significantly larger proportions of Inuit sex offenders were readmitted to Federal correctional facilities over the 12-year period examined (48 percent versus 20 percent). When examining the specific types of reoffending, differences between the two groups approached significance for sexual recidivism, but were insignificant for violent recidivism. Characteristics associated with the recidivism of Inuit offenders were younger age, mixed sexual offenses, and a more extensive criminal history. 4 figures and 10 notes