NCJ Number
53467
Date Published
1978
Length
232 pages
Annotation
THIS EXAMINATION OF SEX OFFENDERS, SOCIETY'S REACTIONS TO AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEXUAL CRIMES, AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR SEX OFFENDERS IS BASED ON EXTENSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH OFFENDERS, VICTIMS, AND TREATMENT STAFF.
Abstract
THIS STUDY OF RAPISTS, CHILD MOLESTERS, EXHIBITIONISTS, VOYEURISTS, AND INCEST OFFENDERS DISCOUNTS THE BELIEF THAT SEX OFFENDERS ARE BRUTAL, DEPRAVED, OR OVERSEXED AND ASSERTS THAT THEY ARE PSYCHOPATHS WITH LEARNED BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS STEMMING FROM CHILDHOOD ABUSE INCLUDING SEXUAL ABUSE, LACK OF FAMILIAL LOVE, EXTREME SIBLING RIVALRY, OTHER FAMILY CONFLICTS AND PROBLEMS, AND FRUSTRATION. TO ILLUSTRATE THIS CONCEPT, CASE HISTORIES OF SEVERAL SEX OFFENDERS ARE PROVIDED. AN OVERVIEW OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR SEX OFFENDERS IS PRESENTED ALONG WITH A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 13 TREATMENT CENTERS IN 9 EASTERN AND MIDWESTERN CITIES OPERATING IN PENITENTIARIES, JAILS, MENTAL HOSPITALS, HALFWAY HOUSES, AND MEDICAL SCHOOLS. SOCIETY'S ROLE IN PERPETUATING SEXUAL DEVIANCE THROUGH STRICT ADHERENCE TO MALE AND FEMALE ROLE TYPING IS CONSIDERED, AND THE EFFECTS OF RAPE ON VICTIMS AND REACTIONS OF PERSONS TO VICTIMS ARE EXAMINED. INCEST IS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. THE FINAL CHAPTERS DISCUSS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS IT RELATES TO SEX CRIMES AND ADDRESSES SUCH ISSUES AS THE DIFFICULTY IN PRESENTING EVIDENCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND ESTABLISHING THE NONCONSENT OF THE VICTIM AND THE USE OF DISCRETION BY SENTENCING JUDGES. THE AVERAGE SENTENCE LENGTH FOR SEX OFFENDERS IS 3 YEARS, AND IT IS ARGUED THAT THIS INCARCERATION ONLY AGGRAVATES THE DEVIANT BEHAVIOR IF TREATMENT IS NOT APPLIED. (DAG)