Characteristics of sexual assault offenders bibliography

This paper highlights sexual abuse in intimate relationships as a risk factor for homicide and death. Based on the research literature, the first section reviews the associations between intimate partner sexual violence and homicide, and discusses homicide by the abuser, homicide by the victim, suicide by the victim, severity and repetition of violence, and sexual abuse as a controlling behaviour. The paper then reviews risk assessment issues, including non-disclosure by victims, obfuscation and denial by abusers, and the reluctance of domestic violence workers to ask, and considers how services can be improved through training, screening and referral, informing and supporting women, and responding to perpetrators.

"[This book is a] guide on those offenders who are often assessed as being dangerous. Outlining, evaluating and commenting on specific methods, regimes and strategies for dealing with dangerous offenders throughout each chapter, this book begins by considering what a dangerous offender is and providing a brief historical account of how the label has been used for different types of offender over the last three or four centuries. The book examines sentencing policy in addition to early and current dangerousness legislation, evaluating the available sentences specifically designed for dangerous offenders and assessing their use and appropriateness. The role of risk and risk assessment tools is discussed, considering what risk assessment is, the way in which it works and how over recent times it has become more reliable and valid. It looks at the practical realities of how serious sexual and violent offenders are dealt with by the penal system in England and Wales. Finally, specific offender groups are considered, including female offenders, children and young people and mentally disordered offenders. Each chapter considers whether there are any differences in terms of policy, assessment and management strategies when sentencing and managing each distinct group; and if not whether any such modifications are required."

This article compares the developmental pathways of three types of adolescent sex offenders - specialist sex offenders, versatile offenders, and short duration sex offenders. 108 adjudicated adolescent males attending an assessment and treatment service in Queensland were studied, regarding developmental characteristics, individual characteristics, and family functioning, including abuse histories, conduct problems, personality traits, externalizing and internalising behaviours, parental involvement, parental supervision, positive parenting practices, inconsistent discipline, and corporal punishment.

The United States Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) called for correctional agencies nationwide to address prisoner sexual assault. This legislation requires correctional administrators to identify, prevent, intervene, and prosecute these incidents, and to ensure programs and services meet the complex needs of victims and perpetrators. Soon after the passage of PREA, the National Institute of Justice sponsored several research activities to examine prisoner sexual assault within the culture of correctional institutions, within state department of corrections), and within jails and juvenile correctional facilities. This report forms part of the latter study. It presents findings from a descriptive study of promising practices to prevent and respond to inmate- on-inmate sexual assault in jails and resident-on-resident sexual assault in juvenile correctional facilities in the state of Colorado. The report features a literature review of institutional sexual assault.

The Giving Voice project uses the accounts of victim/survivors to provide further insight into the behaviours, strategies and tactics of sexual offenders. This report presents findings from the project, which features interviews with 33 victim/survivors of sexual assault in Australia, practitioner consultations, and a literature review of sexual offending strategies. The victim/survivor narratives about where, when, and how they were assaulted show that opportunities for sexual offending are deeply embedded in ordinary, everyday contexts. Perpetrators used the resources present in any given situation to overpower and overcome the women, and conceal, deny, and excuse the offence. The report discusses victim and perpetrator characteristics, the circumstances of the assault, perpetrator strategies and planning, and the implications of this research for prevention and policy.

This compendium summarises research findings on different aspects of sexual assault, as deemed relevant to the U.S. Department of Defense. Sections include: victim risk factors; perpetrator risk factors; alcohol; context and prevention of sexual assault; recovery and coping; sexual assault disclosure; health care programs and services; victim advocacy programs and services; and investigative and legal processes. The research is largely drawn from US literature, though some international reports are included. An introductory chapter discusses the background of sexual assault research, the prevalence of sexual assault, and historical and legal milestones relevant to sexual assault.

"[This book] elaborates on the numerous factors that have contributed to the passage of sexual offending laws in the United States. [The authors] weave together a story of how sex crime laws were created by analyzing the changing roles of religion and the medical community, offering theoretical explanations for sex offending from the unique perspectives of criminology and sexology."

"The evaluation of risk for sexual re-offense in children and adolescents is quite different from risk evaluation with adult sexual offenders. Sexually abusive youth are persons-in-development, and, as such, must be understood in the social and developmental contexts of their lives, having the potential to change from year to year in their capacities, attitudes, sense of self and others, and neurobiology. With this perspective as its foundation, [this book] helps [the reader] become more sensitive and better informed in understanding, assessing, and treating this unique population."

"'Sexual Offenders' explores and develops personal construct theory in terms of forensic and social psychology, and examines the possibilities for sexual offender assessment and therapy. James Horley suggest that if they desire change sexual offenders can alter these constructs through psychotherapy. 'Sexual Offenders' describes a number of techniques used by the author and other clinicians as well as presenting new and more dynamic approaches to psychological assessment. Based on over 20 years of the author's clinical and research work, this book will provide professionals and students in the field of forensic psychology and psychiatry with an alternative way of treating sex offender clients."

"U.S. Justice Department statistics indicate that only 26 percent of all rapes or attempted rapes are reported to law enforcement officials, and only slightly more than half of these result in the arrest of a suspect. Part of the problem lies in the public's lack of faith in the criminal justice system's ability to effectively deal with rape, victims, and the offenders. [This book] presents several new research findings and forensic techniques which enable agencies to overcome past impediments to successful intervention and prosecution ... The book begins with a focus on the victim and reviews contemporary issues in the field of sexual violence, discusses the impact of sexual assault on the victim, and outlines victim care services. Then, from an investigative perspective, the book examines the relevance of fantasy, impulsive and ritualistic behavior, the personality of the offender, victim and offender interviews, geographic profiling, false allegations, and false confessions. A discussion of forensics and the court includes topics on collection of evidence, medical examinations and treatment, and trial preparation issues. Lastly, the book examines special populations with sections on pedophiles, female and juvenile offenders, drug-facilitated rape, sexual sadism, abuse of the elderly, and the timely topic of educator misconduct."

"Why do some men commit sex offenses? This is a simple question with a very complex answer. In this book, the authors review and critique existing theories and the supporting literature addressing the reasons adolescent and adult males commit such acts as child molestation, rape, voyeurism, indecent exposure, and other violent offenses against adults and children. Chapters explore numerous theories of etiology, including biological, cognitive, behavioral, social learning, personality-psychodynamic, and evolutionaty theories, as well as those that incorporate two or more of these viewpoints. The authors then present their original integrative theory of sex offending and describe how it may influence future research endeavours as well as prevention and treatment efforts with these populations."

Previous research has linked seasonal changes, calendar events, public holidays and football events to a rise in numbers of reported domestic violence incidents. Rather than directly causing of violence, these factors might rather provide opportunities or contexts where violence is more likely. This report investigates this possible relationship further, with a literature review of international research and an analysis of domestic violence statistics over 3 years from various jurisdictions in Australia. It includes incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, and alcohol related assaults. The report also discusses the limitations of the study and the implications for practitioners.

The research paper focuses on recidivism of sex offenders and is designed to provide background information to a further discussion paper examining current legal responses in Victoria and other jurisdictions to high-risk offenders. The research paper examines the most recent evidence about whether sex offenders do indeed pose the danger to the community that they are often perceived as posing, discussing the tension between community protection and legal principles. Although they are the least common form of sexual assault, sexual offences committed by strangers have been the priority for policy-makers over the years, despite the fact that most sexual offences are committed by ordinary men in the context of everyday relationships. Statistics are provided on the incidence and prevalence of sexual offences in Victoria, and on the nature and costs of sexual offending. The literature is reviewed to determine what is known about sex offenders and their crimes and to clarify the evidence on levels of recidivism among sex offenders. A brief overview of treatment programs and their efficacy is provided, with a final discussion of the implications of the research evidence for current policy and prevention programs.

Despite criticisms of attachment theory, particularly by feminist writers, it is becoming increasingly popular in work with sexual offenders. It has been noted in reference to family systems perspectives on sexual offending that sexually abusive men are sometimes discussed 'as if they were children'. This article contends that the positioning of abusive men as if they were children remains implicit in attachment informed models. The article outlines some of the implications of attachment based models for understanding sexually abusive men and young men. Although it does not argue against using attachment theory per se, it does suggest that some of the implications of using attachment theory to understand sexual offending by adults are problematic; for instance, insecure attachments can explain sexual offending only in deviant individual cases, rendering invisible the links between dominant, everyday practices of masculinity and sexual violence. However, the two perspectives are not seen as mutually exclusive.

Current research and practice on understanding and responding to young people who have committed acts of sexual abuse is summarised. The paper describes normal sexual behaviour for adolescents and discusses how common sexual abuse by young people is, who young people offend against, at what age young people sexually abuse, demographics and characteristics of young people who sexually abuse, whether young offenders are victims of sexual abuse, whether young offenders continue abusing as adults, reactions of family, sibling sexual abuse, supervision and monitoring of offenders and victims, where young offenders live after disclosure and assessment, treatment for victims and offenders, and the roles of police, child protection authorities and schools.

"How does sexual deviance develop in childhood and adolescence? What are the characteristics of youths who perpetrate sex-related crimes? And how can society respond effectively to treat and prevent these highly destructive behaviors? Research and clinical practice in the area of juvenile sexual offending have advanced considerably over the last decade, and the revised and expanded second edition of this comprehensive work brings the field fully up to date."

Male sexual violence against women and children continues to be a significant social problem in Australia, with increasing attention being given to prevention and treatment of sexual offending. This paper on sex offender treatment programs critically examines how theoretical explanations of sexual violence have shaped intervention and community responses, by examining the influence of the predominant perspectives that focus on the psychopathology of sex offenders. Prevalence and definitions of sexual violence are examined critically to show that sexual violence is a relatively common experience for many Australian women. The paper also provides a critical analysis of the different treatment paradigms used in Australia. The authors assert that, in general, the responses to sexual violence are not comprehensive and intersectoral, nor do they prioritise accountability to victims. This can be attributed to the distinct theoretical influences in treating sexual offenders, sexual violence prevention and support for victims. The authors conclude by examining the ways in which both treatment and prevention strategies can better address the widespread occurrence of sexual violence in Australia.

"Professionals working with youth who have sexually abused increasingly find themselves asked to make decisions about risk. However, there are no simple answers or empirically validated means for accurately predicting the future behavior of young people ... This book summarises what is known and what is not, and offers suggestions for how to cope with this most unenviable task."

Current research and practice on understanding and responding to young people who have committed acts of sexual abuse is summarised. The paper describes normal sexual behaviour for adolescents and discusses how common sexual abuse by young people is, who young people offend against, at what age young people sexually abuse, demographics and characteristics of young people who sexually abuse, whether young offenders are victims of sexual abuse, whether young offenders continue abusing as adults, reactions of family, sibling sexual abuse, supervision and monitoring of offenders and victims, where young offenders live after disclosure and assessment, treatment for victims and offenders, and the roles of police, child protection authorities and schools.

"... this paper highlights recent evidence-based research related to dating violence. The paper outlines the extent of dating violence, what contributes to dating violence, young people and dating violence, the health impacts of dating violence, and prevention and early intervention. A checklist of attitudes and behaviours that research has associated with dating violence is also provided. The paper concludes with a list of references, resources and contact information for individuals requiring more information."

"This ... volume explores the current theoretical and practice issues involved in working therapeutically with young men who have sexually abused. Linking theory to practice, Andrew Durham provides detailed case studies of young men who have committed varying acts of inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours, and analyses the therapeutic interventions provided for each."

"[This book makes] the case that violence against women is a men's issue. Jackson Katz, one of the nation's foremost authorities on this subject, takes the reader deep inside male culture to examine why so many men physically and sexually abuse women and children, including those closest to them ... Written for both women and men, [this book] provides women with original and creative ways of thinking about how to reverse this ongoing national tragedy. It also makes a powerful case to men that the only way to end the abuse and mistreatment of women is for many more self-identified 'good guys' to make these issues their own."

"This comprehensive text provides an up-to-date review and critique of current theorising about sexual offending. It presents the key ideas underpinning each theory in a clear and accessible manner. Theories are rigorously tested and evaluated, and their merits are examined from both a research and a clinical point of view."

This book is a practical manual for therapists and social workers for the assessment, treatment, and management of adult male sex offenders. Based on practice-based research and clinical experience, the authors discuss cognitive-behavioural interventions, staff issues, different population groups and treatment settings, and the context of laws and treatment strategies in Great Britain.

There are two common assumptions about juvenile sex offenders: first, that they are a distinct population of juvenile delinquents, and second, that without effective treatment they are likely to become adult sex offenders. This chapter disputes these assumptions, and reviews the literature on the development of juvenile delinquency, the development of sexual deviance, the progression from juvenile to adult sexual offending, criminal versatility, and the distinction between sexual crime and sexual deviance.

The 2005 Personal Safety Survey provides information on the nature and extent of physical and sexual violence in Australia, experiences of abuse and harassment, and feelings of safety within the home and community. This article discusses the survey's findings on sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. It looks at overall rates of sexual assault and other forms sexual violence, including sexual violence within partner violence, changes in the incidence of sexual assault since 1996, characteristics of sexual assault victims, including age and location of incident, who perpetrates sexual assaults, what proportion of assaults have been reported to police, changes in reporting rates to police over the last ten years, and sexual abuse that occurred prior to age 15.

This paper reports the findings of a retrospective study designed primarily to investigate the predictive accuracy of the Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual Offence Recidivism, the Static 99, and two models developed in Western Australia: the Violent Offender Treatment Program Risk Assessment Scale (VOTPRAS) and the 3 Predictor model. The study involved a WA sample of violent and non violent sexual offenders. A secondary aim was to establish whether the instruments are equally valid for Indigenous and non Indigenous, and violent and non violent sexual offenders. The data of 538 convicted sexual offenders who were assessed by the Sex Offender Treatment Program of the WA Department of Justice during 1987 - 2002 were used. The predictor variables were the total scores obtained for each instrument and the outcome variable a conviction in a court for a further sexual offence and, in the case of the VOTPRAS, also a further violent offence.

The literature shows that sexually abusive youth are a heterogeneous population. This article looks at characteristics of sexually abusive youth and calls for the development of typologies of adolescent sexual offenders, which can be used to guide individualised treatment plans. It describes how treatment issues are currently being addressed in New Zealand.