NCJ Number
179452
Journal
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 43 Issue: 5 Dated: June 1998 Pages: 459-465
Date Published
June 1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A review of literature from the past four decades and data from the author's own research in Canada were used to examine the recidivism rates of the various types of adult sex offenders, including incest offenders, nonfamily child molesters, exhibitionists, and rapists.
Abstract
Methodological shortfalls and differences across the studies make statistical appraisal of the results difficult. Recidivism rates were dependent on variables such as the selected sample population, the definition of recidivism, and the length of follow-up period after release for detention. Nevertheless, results revealed a consensus that incest offenders are less likely to reoffend than are nonfamily child molesters. Rapists and exhibitionists were thought to be at a higher risk for recidivism than are child molesters. Figures varied across the studies, but the overall sex-offense recidivism rate was probably well under 10 percent. Findings suggested that a combined actuarial predictive approach in conjunction with empirically guided clinical assessment is probably the best method to predict sex offender recidivism. Psychometric and physiological instruments such as the Psychopathy Check List-Revised Scale, the Michigan Alcohol Scoring Test, and penile phallometry should be part of the empirically guided clinical risk assessment of sex offenders. 57 references (Author abstract modified)