NCJ Number
7576
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1972) Pages: 109-115
Date Published
1972
Length
7 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF ADOLESCENT SEX-OFFENDERS IN AUSTRALIA, WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO THE ASSAULTIVE RECIDIVIST AND SEX SUPPRESSANT MEDICATION.
Abstract
THE VICTORIA CHILDREN'S COURT CLINIC HAS DEVELOPED CERTAIN PROCEDURES FOR USE IN EVALUATING OFFENDERS AND DECIDING ON APPROPRIATE TREATMENT. PREVIOUS OFFENSES AND FAMILY BACKGROUND ARE CONSIDERED. THE CLINIC STUDIES INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOSEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PAYS PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO ANY HISTORY OF PRECOCIOUS OR ABNORMAL SEXUALITY. ONE INITIAL STEP IN TREATMENT IS THE PROVISION OF A SEX EDUCATION COURSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEVELOP DESIRABLE SEXUAL ATTITUDES. PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT IS ALSO AVAILABLE. THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE CLINIC'S USE OF SEX SUPPRESSANT MEDICATION FOR OFFENDERS WITH A HISTORY OF REPEATED SERIOUS ASSAULTS. REFERENCE IS MADE TO STUDIES ON DRUG AND HORMONE TREATMENT OF SEXUAL OFFENDERS. ALTHOUGH POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL CHANGES ARE INDICATED AS A RESULT OF THIS TREATMENT, PHYSIOLOGICAL SIDE EFFECTS ARE ALSO NOTED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)