Abusers Who Were Abused: Myths and Misunderstandings

• NCJ Number: 213153
• Author(s): Dewey J. Ertz Ed.D.
• Date Published: March 2000
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): 97-VI-GX-0002
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Corporate Author: Ctr on Child Abuse and Neglect
• Sale Source: Ctr on Child Abuse and Neglect
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded February 27, 2006.

Annotation

This report presents information about how exposure to abuse and neglect can lead to an increased risk to sexually offend; this series is geared toward American Indian communities.

Abstract

Four main topics are addressed: (1) types of sexual offenses; (2) understanding the progression from victim to offender; (3) considerations when developing an outpatient sex offender treatment program; and (4) the content of sex offender treatment programs. Research literature on sexual offenders and offenses is provided to clarify the types of sexual offenses one may encounter. Sexual deviancy is discussed as are recidivism rates and treatment effectiveness rates among sex offenders. Victims of abuse or neglect can move from being victims to becoming perpetrators themselves through maladaptive coping styles, such as the development of predator-prey life views. The types of outcomes American Indians are likely to experience as a result of sexual or physical abuse or neglect are listed and include an increased risk for being arrested for prostitution and an increased risk for substance abuse. Outpatient sex offender treatment programs should include attention to four main areas: (1) legal; (2) social welfare; (3) mental health systems; and (4) the community at large. Community support is a critical component of sex offender treatment, particularly in American Indian communities that hold elders in high esteem. Efforts should be made to form a committee of elders to assist in outpatient treatment. Finally, the report states that four major areas of therapy need to be considered when planning treatment for American Indian sex offenders: (1) cognitive-behavior therapy; (2) substance abuse treatment; (3) conduct and impulse control therapy; and (4) affective disorders therapy. Each type of therapy is discussed. Specific areas of concern to address during treatment include Indian identification; differences in defining assertive, passive, and aggressive behaviors; non-verbal communication patterns; and the role of shame in American Indian communities. In closing, the author notes that most abuse victims do not become sex offenders. Bibliography, resources