NCJ Number
195497
Journal
Journal of Sexual Aggression Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 22-38
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper attempts to examine the effectiveness of a community sex offender treatment project in South East London, specifically child molesters, and describe the characteristics of a complete geographical sample of child molesters.
Abstract
When a community treatment sentence is imposed as an alternative to custody for convicted sex offenders, particularly child sex offenders, ethical dilemmas arise. There is concern for the potential risk of more victims. In examining the effectiveness of community sex offender treatment, this study hypothesized: (1) child molesters who successfully completed treatment would re-offend sexually less frequently, less seriously, and/or less rapidly than those who had not been successfully treated; (2) the cognitive behavioral model of treatment would be identified as effective in reducing pro-offending attitudes; and (3) the largest treatment effect would be found in the high risk group of offenders, those offending outside the family or against males. The study consisted of 178 child sex offenders convicted in two boroughs in South East London over 7 years. In the majority of cases, the participants were referred to the Challenge Project, a community assessment and treatment program for sex offenders, for psychological reports. A number of standardized tests were administered: the Social Sexual Desirability Scale, the Lie Scale, the Child Molest Scale, the Sexual Obsessions Scale, the Cognitive Distortion and Immaturity Scale, and the Justification Scale. Historical, as opposed to cognitive variables appeared to be associated with failure. In addition, key factors were a history of being sexually victimized and previous sexual/violent convictions. The study contributes to the growing evidence that child molesters can be successfully managed in the community, at least in the short to medium term, posing lower levels of risk than previously thought. Treatment appeared to contribute to a flexible community risk management package. Tables and references