NCJ Number
143736
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: May 1993 Pages: 7-10
Editor(s)
F. J. Porporino,
T. M. Nouwens
Date Published
May 1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Two recent studies found that sex offenders may commit additional sex offenses for many years after release.
Abstract
A study in the United States followed 70 male sex offenders for 4 years, gathering information from annual interviews. Most of the offenders were pedophiles; some were incest offenders and exhibitionists. All had completed a long-term outpatient treatment program, with treatment averaging 3 years. Results revealed that the third year after release was the critical year for reoffending, with 14.3 percent reporting that their sexual behavior was a problem that year. The Canadian study examined the long-term recidivism of child molesters who were treated for their sexual offending between 1965 and 1973. The treated group was compared with two control groups that received no specific treatment. Results revealed 42 percent of the total sample of 197 child molesters were reconvicted. The greatest risk period was the first 5-10 years after release, although almost one-fourth of the recidivists were reconvicted more than 10 years after release. A strong relationship was found between a risk rating score and eventual reconviction. Findings indicated the need to determine risk indicators that can be addressed through treatment and to ensure that outcome research uses long followup periods. Figures, footnotes, and 2 references