Bibliographies
Australian materials are indexed in the Australian Family and Society Abstracts Database and are available for loan from the ACSSA collection at the Australian Institute of Family Studies library. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Offenders: Criminal Justice Responses and Treatment Programs
Australian publications
A Comparative Assessment of Good Practice
in Programs for Men who use Violence Against Female
Partners.
Office
of the Status of Women.
Canberrra,
ACT: Office of the status of women, the Department
of the Prime Minisyer and Cabinet, 2004, p196
This
report outlines structures, processes and practices
that are central to establishing and maintaining quality
programs for men who are violent towards their female
partners. This report is commensurate with the core
principles of the Partnerships Against Domestic Violence
(PADV 2) taskforce.
An international perspective on sexual
aggressive youth.
Johnson, M.
The Link:
The Official Newsletter of the International
Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
(ISPCAN) v.11 no.3 Northern Fall - Southern Spring
2002: 6-7
This article provides an international perspective
on how systems from a number of countries would respond
to a case involving a youth presenting behavioural
problems, including sexual aggressiveness towards
younger children. The countries involved included
Australia, USA, Israel, Argentina and China. Respondents
were asked to comment on how they would define the
case, what agency or agencies would take responsibility
for intervention, the nature of the service response,
and the anticipated outcomes of the intervention.
An
investigation into the effective and ethical interviewing
of suspected sex offenders.
Kebbell, Mark; Hurren, Emily; Mazerolle,
Paul.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of
Criminology, 2006, 6p, tables (Trends and issues in crime and criminal
justice no.327), and Online
Sexual assault is less likely
to be reported to police than other crimes and, once reported, can be
difficult to prosecute successfully. This paper examines ways of
increasing the likelihood that guilty offenders will confess during
police interviews, thus making it easier to secure more convictions in
adult sexual assault cases. Confessions are likely to depend on the
credibility of the evidence and the manner in which it is presented to
the suspect during the police interview.
Assessing risk for violence in the Australian
context.
Ogloff, James R P; Davis, Michael
R.
In: Chappell, D. and Wilson, P. eds. Issues in
Australian crime and criminal justice. Chatswood, NSW: LexisNexis
Butterworths, 2005, p301-338, tables
The level of risk
presented by an individual in the context of the criminal justice system
is difficult to determine. This chapter considers the practice of
violence risk assessment and looks at areas of contemporary Australian
criminal law that may require violence risk assessment. It discusses
forensic psychiatric patients, serious offenders and indefinite
sentences, the evolution of the accuracy of the assessment of risk for
violence, the violence risk factors of mental illness, psychopathy and
substance abuse, some violence risk measures or schemes, and risk for
violence among sexual offenders.
Childhood attachment, childhood sexual abuse, and onset of
masturbation among adult sexual offenders.
Smallbone, Stephen W; McCabe, Billee-Anne.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment v.15 no.1 Jan
2003: 1-9
The research described in this article looked
at autobiographies of incarcerated adult male sexual offenders as a
retrospective self-report measure of their childhood attachment,
experiences of sexual abuse as children, and onset of masturbation.
Differences between rapists, intrafamilial child molesters and
extrafamilial child molesters on these measures were also examined.
Findings are discussed in terms of attachment and conditioning models,
and the links between insecure childhood attachment, childhood sexual
abuse, early masturbation and sexual offending.
Correctional offender rehabilitation programs: the
national picture in Australia.
Howells,K; Heseltine,K; Sarre,R; Davey,L;
Day,A.
Adelaide, SA: Forensic Psychology Research
Group, Centre for Applied Psychological Research, University of South
Australia, 2005, p127, Online only
This report describes
offender rehabilitation programs offered to adult clients of correctional
services throughout Australia. The first part provides an outline of the
legislative guidance and/or mandates given to jurisdictions in the
delivery of rehabilitation programs and describes the nine different
types of offender rehabilitation program that are currently offered in
Australia which aim to target the following areas: cognitive skills, drug
and alcohol, anger management, violence, domestic violence, sex
offending, as well as programs for specific populations: special needs,
female offenders and Indigenous offenders. The second part of the report
provides a detailed description of programs offered to offenders and
provides information that may be used to compare and contrast the types
of programs offered in each State/Territory.
Criminal profiling: a collaborative effort between sexual
assault counsellors and offenders profilers.
Clarke, J.; Kendall, S.
In: Practice and
prevention: contemporary issues in adult sexual assault conference.
Sydney, NSW: NSW Attorney-General's Department, Crime Prevention
Division, 2003, Online only
Sexual assault offender profiling is primarily concerned with an understanding
of the behavioural interaction between offender and victim. The authors
suggest that sexual assault counsellors potentially possess the most
behavioural information related to the offence. They argue that
collaboration between offender profilers and sexual assault counsellors
has significant potential to allow more detailed profiles to be compiled,
and more accurate linkage analyses and geographic profiles to be
formulated. They discuss the ethical implications concerning this sharing
of information as well as the benefits it would bring.
Crises of representation, or why don't feminists talk about
Myra?
Morrissey, B.
Australian Feminist Law Journal v.16 Jun 2002: 109-131
The author discusses the lack of feminist discourse to represent
certain types of violent women. She believes that the offender's personal
politics and their acts determine which types of violent women are
acceptable to feminist legal theorists. These can include those
considered victims themselves, such as battered women, and those who can
be presented as engaging in feminist revenge. The author discusses
Catherine Birnie and Valmae Beck, both convicted of the rape and murder
of women, and looks at the representation of these cases in both
mainstream and feminist literature. She believes that the mainstream
media's failure to discuss the rape convictions is related to the women's
perceived heterosexuality, while feminists avoided discussing these cases
because they represent real life examples of the monstrous maternal. She
argues that the complexities of desire and agency operating in the cases
of Birnie and Beck need to be explored in feminist writings.
Deconstructing the culture of sexual assault.
Flood, M.
In: Practice and prevention:
contemporary issues in adult sexual assault conference. Sydney, NSW: NSW
Attorney-General's Department, Crime Prevention Division, 2003, 17p,
Online only
Cultural and collective
supports for sexual assault found among many men must be undermined in
order for sexual assault prevention efforts to work, the author argues.
Men's perpetration of sexual assault is heavily influenced by
contemporary constructions of masculinity and heterosexuality. The author
identifies important examples of violence prevention strategies among
boys and men, including in schools, through community and mass education,
and in collaborative activism, and also shows important dilemmas
associated with each. He points out that prevention strategies must also
address the complex intersections of gender, class, age, race and
ethnicity which shape women's and men's experiences of sexual assault. He
argues that multiple forms of social differentiation and oppression
structure men's practice of violence against women, its effects, and the
responses of communities and media.
Developmental risk factors for sexual offending.
Lee, J.K.P.; Jackson, H. J.; Pattison, P.; Ward, T.
Child Abuse & Neglect v.26 no.1 Jan 2002: 73-92
The aim of the study reported in this article was to identify the
general, common, and specific developmental risk factors for paedophilia,
exhibitionism, rape and multiple paraphilia, and to address five
methodological issues observed in this area of research. The study
involved a total of 97 offenders who formed two independent groups - a
paraphilia group of 64 sex offenders and a comparison group of 33 nonsex,
nonviolent, nondrug-related property offenders. The study supports the
value of conceptualising certain childhood adversities as developmental
risk factors for paraphilic behaviours.
High-risk
offenders: post sentence supervision and detention: discussion and options paper.
Victoria. Sentencing Advisory
Council.
Melbourne, Vic: Sentencing
Advisory Council, 2007, 222p, tables, and Online
This
discussion paper considers whether a continuing detention scheme for
high-risk offenders should be introduced in Victoria. It is intended for
use with offenders who have reached the end of their sentence but are
still considered dangerous, such as sex offenders and violent offenders.
The paper discusses the legal and moral bases of these schemes, how such
a scheme might operate, and examines examples of similar schemes in other
Australian states, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Impacts of programs for
adolescents who sexually offend: literature review. (PDF 411K)
Nisbet, Ian; Rombouts, Sacha; Smallbone, Stephen.
Ashfield, NSW: Department of Community Services, 2005, 40p, tables, Online
Many programs for adolescent sex offenders rely on assumptions about the nature of the work or model their programs
on treatment of adult sex offenders. This literature review examines current research evidence, published since 1990, of models
of service provision to young sex offenders, their families and other relevant parties. The review focuses on the following issues;
program descriptions; previous reviews of the adolescent sex offender literature; treatment outcome studies; the emergence of
offence specific programs for adolescents; child sexual abuse; adolescents as perpetrators of child sexual assault; research on
adolescent sexual offending; sexual and social deviance; treatment as sex offenders or adolescent offenders; and current approaches
to treating adolescents who have sexually offended.
Intervention with sexually abusive young people in Australia
and New Zealand.
Flanagan, Karen.
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.9 no.2 Nov 2003: 135-149
This article presents the results of an audit across Australia
and New Zealand on services providing therapeutic intervention with
adolescents engaging in sexually abusive behaviours. The author presents
an overview of programs running in each state and territory, and New
Zealand, including the types of clients accepted and the therapeutic
models used. Issues and recommendations based on the review of services
are discussed, including the identification of specific gaps in service
delivery and the need for timely access to programs.
Legislation
in Victoria on sexual offenders: issues
for health professionals.
Sullivan, Danny H.;
Mullen, Paul T.; Pathé,
Michele T.
Medical
Journal of Australia
v.183 no.6 Sept 2005: 318-320,
and Online
New legislation passed in Victoria (the Serious
Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005) extends
the role of doctors in managing and treating
sex offenders. This legislation is not based
on a solid understanding of the research
evidence on treatment of sex offenders or
on their risk of reoffending. The legislation
creates ethical and professional dilemmas
for health professionals through the conflation
of legal control of offenders with the medical
management of disorders of sexual preference.
There is a critical need for research and
funding in this area rather than ever more
oppressive laws, if governments are to be
serious about treating sex offenders rather
than simply incarcerating them. (Journal abstract)
Managing sex offender risk.
Kemshall, Hazel, ed.; McIvor, Gill, ed..
London,
England: Jessica Kingsley, 2004, 256p (Research
highlights in social work no.46)
This book aims
to present relevant research for the effective
management of sex offenders. With a predominantly
UK focus and not solely restricted to intervention
strategies and programs it provides a broad overview
of the typologies and characteristics of offenders
as well as strategies for managing different kinds
of offender including children and young people
who are sexually aggressive. Included in the section
on 'Assessment and Effective Interventions' is
a chapter by Australians Tony Ward, Mayumi Purvis
and Grant Devilly on 'Relapse prevention: theory
and practice'.
One size does not fit all:
future directions for the treatment of
sexually abusive youth in New Zealand.
Lambie,
Ian; Seymour, Fred.
Journal of
Sexual Aggression v.12 no.2 Jul 2006: 175-187
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.
Perspectives
on the treatment of men and boys who sexually
abuse. (PDF
2025K)>
Boyd, Cameron
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study
of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.15 September 2007:
11-19, and Online
This article explores the neglect of feminist theory
and critical studies of masculinity in literature
regarding the treatment of men and boys who have
been sexually violent. It discusses a small but
growing body of literature on therapy and interventions
('treatments') that place gender and power at the
centre of working with these men.
Practical
and theoretical roles for the formulation
based treatment of sexual offenders. (PDF
200K)
Drake, Christopher R and Ward,
Tony.
(2003), International Journal of
Forensic Psychology, 1, 71-84
Prediction of the risk of male sexual
reoffending in Australia.
Allan,
Alfred; Dawson, Deborah; Allan, Maria M.
Australian
Psychologist v.41 no.1 Mar 2006: 60-68, tables
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 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. (Journal abstract, edited)
Problem solving under the Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act 2006 (Western
Australia). (PDF 149K)
King, Michael S.
E
Law - Murdoch University Electronic Journal of Law v.14 no.1 Apr 2007:
32-53, Online only
The Dangerous Sexual
Offenders Act 2006 provides for continuing detention or community
supervision orders concerning certain offenders under sentence of
imprisonment for particular sexual offences who are found by the Supreme
Court to be a serious danger to the community. The orders are for
offenders' control, care and treatment and suggest a coercive or
paternalistic approach. The literature suggests such an approach
presents obstacles to offender rehabilitation. A problem solving approach
as used in drug courts can help remove these obstacles and promote
offender rehabilitation while monitoring offenders and holding them to
account for their performance. The author argues that this 'therapeutic
jurisprudence' approach is worthy of consideration by the Supreme Court
and by lawyers representing clients in proceedings under the Act.
(Journal abstract, edited)
Recidivism
of sexual assault offenders: rates, risk
factors and treatment efficacy. (PDF
430K)
Lievore,
Denise.
Canberra, ACT: Australian
Institute of Criminology, 2003, 124p, tables,
figures, Online only
This report looks at the international literature
on recidivism rates and risk factors that predict
reoffending by offenders of adult sexual assault.
The review revealed differing rates of measured recidivism,
from two per cent up to 35 per cent. Victorian police
data on persons apprehended for sexual assault of
adults in 2001 were also analysed to identify recidivism
rates. The author then gives an overview of sex offender
treatment programs run through Australian corrective
services, and summarises the literature on the efficacy
of sex offender treatment programs.
Recidivism
of sex offenders research paper. (PDF
750K)
Gelb,
Karen.
Melbourne, Vic: Sentencing
Advisory Council, 2007, 52p, tables, figures, and Online
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.
Residential
placement of intra-familial adolescent
sex offenders.
Grant, Jan; Thornton, Jenny; Chamarette,
Christabel.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology,
2006, 6p (Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice
no.315), and Online
Research suggests that some interventions with young
intra familial sex offenders, such as removing the
offender from the family home, may make matters worse
for families. What is the best place for young offenders
to live while undergoing treatment? This paper discusses
risk assessment in adolescent sexual offending, advantages
and disadvantages of residential relocation, and
implications for treatment. It presents an alternative
model to relocation, which was developed in Western
Australia.
Resiliency in the victim-offender cycle in male sexual
abuse.
Lambie, I.; Seymour, F.; Lee, A.; Adams,
P.
Sexual Abuse v.14 no.1 Jan 2002: 31-48
The victim-offender cycle has been accepted as an explanation for
sexual offending. This article describes a study which examined the
factors that may prevent a male sexual abuse victim from entering the
victim-offender cycle. The 'resilient' (non-offending) group in the study
were less likely to report pleasure from the abuse than those in the
victim-offender cycle. They were also more likely to have had close
social contact with adolescent peers and to have had more family and
non-family support during childhood. The authors conclude with
recommendations for prevention of the victim-offender cycle.
Sex crime recidivism: evaluation of a
sexual offender treatment program.
Schweitzer, Robert; Dwyer,
Jonathan.
Journal of Interpersonal
Violence v.18 no.11 Nov 2003: 1292-1310, tables,
figures
An evaluation
of the Australian Sexual Offenders Treatment
Program (SOTP), a program based on cognitive behavioural
principles and aiming to reduce sexual offence recidivism,
examined the recidivism rate among a target group
of offenders over a period of five years. The study
reviews the research evaluating sexual offender programs,
describes the SOTP, discusses difficulties with the
data and methodology, and summarises the findings
of the evaluation of SOTP. The analysis shows
no significant reduction in recidivism among the
SOTP target group. The authors emphasise the importance
of the continued evaluation of sex offender programs
and the use of longitudinal data.
Sex offenders
in a risk society: setting limits on freedom.
Edney,
Richard.
Law Institute Journal v.80 no.10 Oct 2006:
53-55
Victoria's Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring
Act provides for the control of particular classes
of offenders in an effort to reduce risk. This
article explains the objective and application
of the legislation. It looks at determining an
application for an Extended Supervision Order,
conditions of the order, and implications of the
legislation.
Sex offenders with an intellectual disability.
Lambrick, Frank; Glaser, William.
Sexual
Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment v.16 no.4 Oct 2004:
381-392
In recent years, the myth that sex offenders with
an intellectual disability are untreatable has been challenged. Though
sex offenders with intellectual disabilities may be initially hard to
engage in the assessment and treatment process, the use of simplified
approaches that support the day-to-day reinforcement of treatment
concepts is proving to be effective with this population. These treatment interventions it is suggested, may also be effectively used
with 'mainstream' offenders. Prevalence, characteristics, and assessment
of sex offenders with an intellectual disability are also discussed.
Sexual offending adolescents: a challenge for out-of-home
services.
March, Liz.
Children Australia v.29 no.3 2004: 30-34
A issue
of some concern that has emerged in the field of youth welfare in recent
years is that of treatment services for young people who are sexually
abusive and unable to reside with their families, or other family
settings. This issue has been of such concern to staff at St Luke's
Anglicare in Central Victoria that a project of review, both of the need
for therapeutic intervention and of contemporary practices, was
undertaken in the last twelve months. This short paper summarises the
specific findings of staff who worked on this practice oriented project
and makes recommendations for future practice with the client group.
(Journal abstract)
Sexual offending: victim, gender and sentencing
dilemmas.
Warner, Kate.
In: Chappell, D. and Wilson, P. eds. Issues in Australian crime
and criminal justice. Chatswood, NSW: LexisNexis Butterworths, 2005,
p233-251
What is the impact of gendered notions of
sexuality on offender behaviour, the legislative boundaries of sexual
offences, the reporting behaviour of victims, and police, prosecution,
trial and sentencing processes? This chapter looks at evidence on the
incidence and nature of sexual offending, the impact of rape and sexual
assault and criminal justice processes on victims, and discusses the
effectiveness and the slow nature of rape law reform, moving the risk of
misunderstanding from complainant to defendant, and sentencing. It
argues that a reduction in the incidence of sexual assault will depend on
changes to social attitudes to women, but notes that the law plays an
important symbolic role in reinforcing ideas of what is normal in sex and
gender roles.
Sexual
violence offenders: prevention and intervention
approaches.
Chung, D.; O'Leary,
P.J.; Hand, T.
Issues:
Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault
no.5 Jun 2006: 1-54, tables, and Online
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.
Submission of the New South Wales Council
for Civil Liberties to the NSW Sentencing Council's Review of Penalties
for Sexual Offences. (PDF 215K)
Burgess, Liam; Beaupert,
Fleur.
Glebe, NSW: New South Wales Council for
Civil Liberties, 2007, 8p, Online
In regard to
penalties for sexual offences, this paper recommends that: statutory
maximum and standard minimum penalties should be abolished; control
orders should only be used for rehabilitation and treatment, not
punishment; good character should be considered as a mitigating factor;
and protective custody should still be regarded as a special circumstance
in sentencing sexual offenders.
The
explanation, assessment and treatment
of child sexual abuse. (PDF 224K)
Ward, Tony.
(2003), International Journal
of Forensic Psychology, 1, 10-25
Sexual offending against children remains a socially significant and complex problem. It is becoming increasingly evident
that the psychological and emotional costs to victims and their families are profound, with many victims experiencing major
difficulties in adjusting to the demands of adult life. In this paper I focus on a number of significant current issues
associated with sexual offending and attempt to give a brief overview of these domains: the causes and types of sexual
offending; assessment and risk evaluation; the principles of effective intervention; best practice treatment of sexual
offenders; and a consideration of treatment effectiveness. I conclude by arguing that we also need to pay more attention
to the relationship between normative theories and empirically validated therapeutic techniques. Any understanding of
rehabilitation is underpinned by values and assumptions about the kind of lives available to offenders.
The rehabilitation of child sex offenders.
Beech, A.R.; Fisher, D.D.
Australian
Psychologist v.37 no.3 Nov 2002: 206-214, figures
A model of treatment is described which outlines the typical
cognitive-behavioural approach to treatment of child sexual abusers in
the United Kingdom (UK). The model describes treatment, which addresses
the following areas: denial, offence specific deficits, socioaffective
problems and relapse prevention skills. Research evidence is outlined as
to why these areas need to be addressed in treatment, and an argument is
made about the importance of dealing with the areas in the order set out
in the model. Finally, the model outlines potential mediators to
treatment effectiveness: motivation to change, locus of control and level
of fixation. In this section of the model the authors describe how these
can have an effect upon treatment efficacy. (Journal abstract)
The role of the forensic physician in the assessment of
victims of sexual assault.
Edwards, J.
In: Practice and prevention: contemporary issues in adult
sexual assault conference. Sydney, NSW: NSW Attorney-General's
Department, Crime Prevention Division, 2003, Online only
The author explores how
forensic physicians can help achieve the best outcome for victims of
sexual violence. Empowerment as an important step in recovery is
important for the forensic physician to understand, she says, and these
practitioners should be clinicians first and forensic physicians second.
In order to deliver the best outcome for each victim, sexual assault
forensic services must be offered and explained in detail so the victim
can make their own best choice about how to proceed. The author
emphasises that the way victims of sexual assault are treated at the
forensic assessment stage will play a large role in not compounding the
trauma associated with the sexual assault.
Therapeutic jurisprudence and sex offenders: a psycho-legal
approach to protection.
Birgden,
Astrid.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and
Treatment v.16 no.4 Oct 2004: 351-364
There exists an
uncertainty in society about whether sex offenders should be punished or
treated. A psycholegal approach is suggested where treatment, assessment
and management can be addressed. Therapeutic jurisprudence which
emphasises an increase in therapeutic effects and a decrease in
anti-therapeutic conseqences of the law, is suggested as a possible
framework for community and offender protection.
The utility of the trans-theoretical model
of behaviour change in the treatment of sex offenders.
Tierney,
David W.; McCabe, Marita P.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment
v.17 no.2 Apr 2005: 153-170, tables
The trans-theoretical
model of behaviour change includes the following
constructs: the stages of change; processes of research
related to these constructs, and analyses the practical
use of the model in the treatment of sex offenders.
It discusses the five stages of change: precontemplation;
contemplation; preparation; action; and maintenance.
Thoughts on recidivism and rehabilitation of
rapists.
Lievore, Denise.
University of New South Wales Law Journal Forum v.11 no.1 Aug
2005: 29-32
It is difficult to ascertain the prevalence of
sex offending in the community and even less is know about recidivism
rates. It cannot be assumed that most sex offenders released who are not
reconvicted are undetected repeat offenders. Evidence suggests that most
sex offenders are not at risk of sexual recidivism, though identification
of those that are is necessary and risk assessment of sex offenders
should be a core practice within correctional systems.
Towards
integrated community responses to men who use
violence towards family members.
Male Family Violence Prevention
Association Inc
Melbourne, Victoria: No To Violence (NTV) Response
to "Ending Domestic Violence: Program for Perpetrators?" Report.
Trait empathy and criminal versatility in sexual
offenders.
Smallbone, Stephen W; Wheaton, Julia;
Hourigan, Donna.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of
Research and Treatment v.15 no.1 Jan 2003: 49-60, tables
The research described in this article looked at associations between
trait empathy and criminal versatility in incarcerated adult sexual
offenders. Criminal versatility, measured by previous convictions for
nonsexual offenses, was observed in 60% of the sample. Significant
associations were found to exist between trait empathy and nonsexual
offense convictions, but no association between trait empathy and sexual
offense convictions was found. The authors suggest that the needs of
criminally versatile and non-versatile sexual offenders should be
distinguished in order to benefit developments in empathy training for
sexual offenders.
Using
it or losing it: men's constructions
of their violence towards female partners.
(PDF 158K)
James, K;
Seddon, B; Brown, J.
Sydney,
NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse,
University of New South Wales, 2002, 20p, and Online
This study aimed
to explore men's experience of their violence towards women in the
context of their own lives. The research team used qualitative
methodology to explore in depth the ways in which men who use violence in
their intimate relationships, understand the experience of violence, with
the goal of assisting practitioners to develop and refine their
interventions. The paper first addresses the context in which the
research was conducted, including the limitations of current
interventions into men's domestic violence, and the need to tailor
services more specifically to engage men in a change project. It then
presents and discusses the research outcomes.
Victoria's Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring
Act 2005: implications for the accuracy of sex
offender risk assessment.
Wood, Melisa; Ogloff, James R P.
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law v.13 no.2 2006:
182-198
Victoria's new Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act
2005 established a new regime whereby high risk child
sex offenders can receive intensive long term supervision
in the community post incarceration. This article reviews
the nature and purpose of this new sex offender legislation,
and discusses some of the theoretical, practical and
clinical issues in forensic psychiatric and psychological
research highlighted by its implementation. The sole
focus of the legislation on child sexual offenders
implies that these offences are more severe or more
recidivistic than other sexual or violent crimes, a
contention that is not wholly supported by the literature.
Furthermore, research on many of the crimes specified
under the Act is limited and many questions remain
unanswered regarding our ability to predict sexual
recidivism, particularly in legal contexts where the
consequences of false predictions are so severe. (Journal
abstract, edited)
When is community protection putting the community
at risk? Questions arising from International Community
Notification Laws in managing sex offenders in
the community. (PDF 184K)
Freeland, Jason; William,
Wainwright.
In: Delivering
crime prevention: making the evidence work: conference
papers. Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology,
2005, 8p, table, Online
Every state in the United States has adopted a law authorising the
public access of personal information of convicted sex offenders. Canada
has limited adoption of Community Notification Laws (CNL); Australia and
the United Kingdom have no CNL but do have sex offender registers. This
paper explains what CNL are and examines whether they protect the
community. It looks at implications of CNL in a therapeutic context and
implications of CNL in a community context.
Working with adolescents
who have committed sexual abuse: establishing
a new place to stand.
Stillman, John R.
International
Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community
Work no.1 2006: 32-38
To reduce the risk of
reoffending among young perpetrators of sexual
abuse, alternative treatment to that used
for adult sex offenders should be utilised. This
article cautions against labelling these
young offenders as sex offenders and thus
stripping them of any individual identity. It
discusses several tools, including the use
of externalising practices, which begins
by exploring the family and placing the problem
apart from the family; giving people a new
place to stand, which explores the individual's
skills and practices of living; re authoring
conversations, which explores the person
as a whole, rather than concentrating on
their offence; remembering practices, which
aims to reconnect the individual with people
who have had a positive influence in their
life; outsider witness practices; and enabling
people to make a statement of position.
Working
with men: addressing the issue of sexual assault within men's domestic
behaviour change programmes.
Yee, G; Crowe,
M.
In: Practice and prevention: contemporary
issues in adult sexual assault conference. Sydney, NSW: NSW
Attorney-General's Department, Crime Prevention Division, 2003, Online
only
The authors discuss the work of Sydney counselling
agency LifeCare. The cornerstone of the agency's philosophy is child
protection, a pro feminist analysis of domestic violence, and a male
positive approach. They discuss LifeCare's men's domestic violence
behaviour change program, which has been operating for 10 years and which
addresses the issue of adult sexual assault.
Working with young men: taking a stand against sexual abuse
and sexual harassment.
Slattery, G.
Dulwich Centre Journal no.1 and no.2 2000: 80-88
The Adolescent Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (Mary Street) engages
with young people aged between 12-18 years who have committed a sexual
offence, or who have engaged in inappropriate or offensive sexual
behaviour, or sexual harassment. Mary Street provides counselling and
help for adolescents and their families or caregivers. The author of
this paper describes her experience of working on the program, her
realisation that at times in her work she was becoming trapped in
judgements, stuck in suspiciousness or mistrust with her clients. She
presents some experiences in her clinical work that have shaped how she
thinks about masculinity; articulates some key notions and assumptions
about identity and masculinity that she draws upon to guard against
totalising practices; and articulates some practice principles she is
developing to assist herself, as a woman, in this project, and some
examples from her clinical work that reflect how these ideas can be
translated into a process and a language that connects with young
men.
International publications
Accountability for change : solution-focused treatment with domestic
violence offenders.
Lee, Mo Yee, Uken, Adriana. and Sebold, John.
Families in Society v.85 no.2 Oct-Dec 2004: 463-476.
In this article a solution-focused treatment program for domestic violence
offenders is discussed and evaluated. Significant improvement was noted in
the quality of the intimate relationships and self-esteem of the
participants.
Confidentiality and public protection : ethical dilemmas in qualitative
research with adult male sex offenders.
Cowburn, Malcolm.
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.11 no.1 Jan. 2005: 49-63.
This paper considers the ethical tensions that may arise when conducting
in-depth interviews with convicted sex offenders. The issues of confidentiality and public protection need to be balanced against the possibility of the disclosure
of previously unknown sensitive information relating to the risk of someone being harmed.
Engaging resistance : creating partnerships
for change in sexual offender treatment.
Charles A. Flinton, Robert Scholz.
Oklahoma City, OK : Wood 'N' Barnes Publishing,
c2006.
Engaging Resistance explores the manner in
which offenders resist change and how this resistance
both mirrors and is facilitated by treatment providers,
the criminal justice/child welfare systems, and
society. The book suggests that resistance at each
of these levels creates obstacles to effective partnerships
and sustainable interventions.
Managing men who sexually abuse.
Briggs, David and Kennington, Roger.
London : Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006, 240
p., 24cm
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.
Sex offenders : law, policy and practice.
Cobley, Cathy.
Bristol, UK : Jordans, 2005, xxix, 539 p. ; 25 cm.
This book examines sexual offending and the management of sexual offenders. The
complex issues inherent in dealing with sex offenders are dealt with
including the investigation of sexual offences, trial procedures,
sentencing, control, risk assessment, protection of the public, treatment,
housing and protection of children and adolescent offenders. The
responsibilities of local authorities, the rights of the individual and
the community, the sexual offences register, employment restrictions and
human rights questions are all considered.
Sex offenders’ response
to treatment and its association with recidivism
as a function of psychopathy
Langton, Calvin; Barbaree, Howard;
Harkins, Leigh and Peacock, Edward.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment,
Volume 18, Number 1 (January 2006), pp. 99-120
This study examined the relationship between recidivism
and ratings of response to specialized cognitive behavioral
treatment conducted in a prison setting among 418 sex
offenders released to the community for an average
follow-up period of over 5 years.
Sexual assault: The victims, the perpetrators, and
the criminal justice system.
Reddington, F.P. and Kreisel, B.W. Eds.
Durham, N.C.:Carolina
Academic Press, 2005
"Sexual assault: The victims, the perpetrators,
and the criminal justice system provides an overview
of the crime of sexual assault and its related
issues. It provides a synthesis of the most current
information relating to sexual assault. The authors
approach the topic of sexual assault in a unique
way by examining it from a criminal justice perspective.
In giving an overview of sexual assault, examining
its victimology, discussing the sexual offender,
and looking at the role the criminal justice system
plays, this book presents a comprehensive and thoroughly
informative study of the crime." - Book jacket.
Sexual offender treatment : controversial issues
Marshall, William L.
Chichester, England : John Wiley & Sons, c2006.
Wiley series in forensic clinical psychology
Social problem-soving correlates of sexual deviancy and aggression among
adult child molesters.
Maguth Nezu, Christine ... [et al.].
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.11 no.1 Jan 2005: 27-36.
In this study the association between problem solving and two aspects of sexual
offending (self-reported sexual deviancy and clinician-rated sexual aggression) among a sample of imprisoned child molesters was investigated. Findings indicated that, compared to the general population, the sample showed significant deficits on all measures of social problem-solving.
The shaming of sexual offenders : risk, retribution and reintegration
McAlinden, Anne-Marie
Oxford : Hart, 2007
Treated sex offenders and "paraprofessional" co-workers in the treatment
of the sex offender.
Hossack, Alex. and Robinson, Julie.
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.11 no.1 Jan 2005: 103-113.
This paper briefly reviews the use of treated paedophiles in the role of paraprofessional co-facilitators in a community based sex offender treatment programme in the UK. Role dynamics, training issues and supervision are discussed.
Treating sex offenders: an introduction to sex offender treatment programmes.
Brown, Sarah.
Devon, UK: Willan Publishing, 2005, 282p.
This book aims to provide an introduction to sex offender treatment programs designed for students and practitioners. It is based on a review of published literature and describes programs and evaluation data from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. It also discusses the theoretical underpinning of programs and the current use of cognitive behavioural sex offender treatment.
Treating sexual offenders :
an integrated approach.
William L. Marshall ... [et al.]
New York : Routledge,
2006.
A comprehensive guide that prepares clinicians,
administrators, parole and probation officers, and
court officials to effectively treat identified sexual
offenders. Focusing on adult males, this essential
resource is based on research and clinical activities
in prison-based and community-based programs, making
it applicable to a variety of settings and with a
number of different disorders.
Understanding, treating and managing sex offenders who deny their offence.
Cooper, Susan.
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.11 no.1 Jan 2005: 85-94.
This paper reviews the current literature relating to the denial of offending
behaviour in adult male sexual offenders. The conceptualization, incidence and functions of denial are examined. Psychological interventions with deniers and the management of these offenders in prison are discussed.
From the UK Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate
Reconviction
rates of serious sex offenders and assessments
of their risk. (PDF 68K)
Hood, Roger, Shute, Stephen, Feilzer, Martina and Wilcox, Aidan
London, UK: Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office, 2002, (Findings no.164).
Sexual
offenders - measuring reconviction, reoffending
and recidivism. (PDF 68K)
Falshaw, Louise, Friendship, Caroline and Bates, Andrew
London, UK: Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office, 2003, (Findings no.183).
The
prison-based Sex Offender Treatment Programme -
an evaluation. (PDF 48K)
Friendship, Caroline, Mann. Ruth and Beech, Anthony
London, UK: Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, Home Office, 2003, (Findings no.205).