American Indian Sexual Offender (From Handbook of Sex Offender Treatment, P 46-1 - 46-11, 2011, Barbara K. Schwartz, ed. - See NCJ-243091)

• NCJ Number: 243137
• Author(s): Dewey J. Ertz, Ed.D.
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Civic Research Institute, Inc
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses the assessment and treatment of American-Indian sexual offenders.

Abstract

The proposed treatment of American-Indian sexual offenders is based on three principles: viewing each offender from an ethnic rather than a social or racial perspective, considering identification issues for both offenders and their families, and understanding the context of historical and personal trauma. Sources of trauma for American Indians as an ethnic group include prejudice, violence from family and community members, poverty, and involvement in systems of dependency. In discussing trauma for the American Indian, it is viewed as generational, beginning early in childhood. Children learn to accept being victimized until they reach a point of exercising power as a predator. This process results in individuals choosing between two maladaptive emotional states, either being anxious or being lonely. Ineffective addictive processes develop as coping methods for avoiding making this choice. Treatment methods for American-Indian sexual offenders must address several areas of personal adjustment, including validating and resolving victim issues, acceptance of their families' history of traumatic events, and the development of an identity within a societal structure that can provide a model of prosocial behavior. They also must be guided in resolving any spiritual issues that may be present and in developing a belief structure that avoids conflicts between values and behaviors. Understanding and integrating concepts from the traditions of the Indian offender's tribal and family background improve the chance for a positive treatment outcome. Seven cognitive-behavioral techniques are recommended for all sex offenders: satiation, covert sensitization, cognitive restructuring, anger control, social skills, sex education, and relapse prevention. Additional interventions with American-Indian sexual offenders might involve substance use, abuse and dependency treatment needs; attention deficit, conduct, and impulsive control concerns; and affective disorders such as depression. 10 references