Use of Victim-Offender Communication in the Treatment of Sexual Abuse: Three Intervention Models

• NCJ Number: 137131
• Author(s): W Bera; J Hindman; L Hutchens; D McGuire; J M Yokley
• Editor(s): J M Yokley
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 110 pages
• Sale Source: Safer Society Press
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This monograph focuses on an emerging approach to the treatment of sexual abuse, and the use of various forms of victim-offender communication to promote the progress of both the victim and the offender through recovery and rehabilitation.

Abstract

The interventions described in the monograph are currently conducted within the framework of three outpatient sex offender treatment programs. The first chapter reviews victim-offender communication interventions in outpatient settings, along with the theoretical benefits and published results of these interventions. The chapter also lists some guidelines under which the interventions are conducted. The second chapter describes a treatment program based on a restitution model. This approach emphasizes close coordination with the criminal justice system, adjunct paraprofessional staff, and a unique treatment scrapbook created by the offender. The third chapter discusses a treatment program that focuses on understanding interpersonal violence within a systemic/attributional model. This model has the unique perspective of recognizing the larger social context of sexual abuse. The final chapter describes a treatment component based on a clinical trials model that emphasizes cognitive-behavioral victim-offender communication interventions. This component can be integrated into existing treatment programs and involves the unique approach of using psychological testing to evaluate victim-offender interactions. While each treatment model has its own philosophy, intervention methods share a number of common features: use of victim-offender apology or clarification sessions to foster a clear understanding that the offender is fully responsible for initiating and maintaining the abusive relationship; focus on victim safety that includes careful observation and monitoring; and methods for addressing the offender's cognitive distortions and developing understanding and empathy for victims. Appendixes, references, tables, and figures