NCJ Number
127240
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 16 Issue: 1/2 Dated: (1990) Pages: 81-91
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study reviews the literature on sexual offenders who are also mentally retarded.
Abstract
The only data specifically relating intelligence levels to aspects of sex offenses were presented by Murphy et al. (1983). The study reports that intelligence negatively correlated with rape-myth acceptance, sex stereotyping, adversarial sexual beliefs, sexual conservatism, and acceptance of violence against women. There was no compelling evidence, however, to support the existence of qualitative differences between retarded and nonretarded sexual offenders in a number of relevant ways. The treatment of sexual offenders with mental deficits is more complex, however. Since cognitive limitations may obstruct the normative expression of sexuality among mentally retarded persons, persons treating mentally retarded sexual offenders, as well as those working with other mentally retarded persons, should understand human sexuality and how it may interact with cognitive development. Research recommendations include the establishment of a data base on the occurrence of sexual offenses among retarded persons, the use of comparative studies to evaluate program effectiveness for this population, and the development and validation of assessment practices for use with retarded offenders. 30 references