Mentally Retarded Sex Offenders: Fact, Fiction, and Treatment

• NCJ Number: 138756
• Journal: Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (1988) Pages: 33-48
• Author(s): R F Schilling; S P Schinke
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90CA902
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Because the sexuality of mentally retarded persons remains a controversial and often misunderstood societal concern, this paper critically evaluates scientific evidence for and against the increased risk of mentally retarded persons committing sexual offenses and describes treatment strategies.

Abstract

History has shown that when knowledge about the capabilities and characteristics of persons with mental retardation is limited, society has been too willing to form preconceived ideas about the risks posed by retarded individuals. Although the image of the "oversexed" mentally retarded person has not been completely eliminated, professionals and the general public have become more accepting of the sexuality of mentally handicapped persons. Unfortunately, knowledge about the relation between mental retardation and sexual assault remains limited and affords few ready answers for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates. Until carefully controlled studies provide better data, it is probably safe to conclude that sexual behavior, like other areas of social adaptation, will be potentially problematic for the mentally retarded. Treatment providers have recognized that interventions must be adapted for mentally retarded offenders, although theory-driven and empirically derived interventions await testing in controlled program evaluations with mentally retarded sex offenders. Ideal treatment programs should redesign interventions so that mentally retarded persons understand the content of material that focuses on sexual behavior. In addition, postrelease monitoring, life skills training, and community supports should be tailored to fit the unique needs and risks of the mentally retarded. The authors recommend that practitioners and researchers collaborate to study treatment outcomes and address gaps in the scientific evaluation and treatment of mentally retarded sex offenders. 26 references