Is treatment for sex offenders ethical?
We argue that the treatment of sex offenders by unqualified practitioners constitutes an ethical violation. The treatment of sex offenders comes with a higher risk of liability for practitioners, and a high risk of harm to the client and others if clients recidivate.
Why is assessment of sex offenders controversial?
In this context, the assessment of recidivism risk among sex offenders has been controversial, with some commentators saying that psychologists' participation is unethical. This condemnation has been partly based on the inaccurate assertion that sex offenders are generally very unlikely to recidivate.
Why are sex offenders treated differently?
Why are child sex crimes, and other sex crimes in general, considered different and treated differently? Largely because society tends to view sex crimes as worse than many other crimes — perhaps worse than all other crimes, especially when they involve a child.
Is sex offender treatment ever effective?
Treated sex offenders in the study had sexual reconviction rates of 16.9 percent after 5 years and 21.8 percent after 10 years, compared to sexual reconviction rates for the untreated sex offenders of 24.5 percent after 5 years and 32.3 percent after 10 years of followup.
Why is it important to treat sex offenders?
Treatment programs can contribute to public safety by reducing the risk of reoffending among sexual offenders.
What are common goals of cognitive behavioral treatment programs for sex offenders?
In general, the most promising sexual offender treatment programs aim to change cognitive, attitudinal, affective, and behavioral patterns associated with sexual aggression, introduce adaptive patterns, and inculcate the skills necessary to manage the dynamic risk factors associated with recidivism risk.
How are sex offenders perceived?
It was found that community members believe that sex offenders have very high recidivism rates, view sex offenders as a homogeneous group with regard to risk, and are skeptical about the benefits of sex offender treatment. The hypothesis that public perceptions contradict empirical research was supported.
What is the most effective treatment for sex offenders?
CBTCurrent research indicates that the most evidence-based therapy for sex offenders, with the best outcomes, is CBT. In addition, a person-centered approach has been demonstrated to be most effective.
Is there a difference in the way male sex offenders are treated and sentenced when compared to female sex offenders?
Findings suggest that women convicted and sentenced for a sex offense differ from their male counterparts, with predictive factors being dependent upon the age of their victim(s). Sex offender treatment interventions developed for men are poorly suited to and may have limited efficacy for women.
Does rehabilitation work on rapists?
In summary, meta-analyses provide no substantial evidence of a rehabilitation effect in rapists - they provide little evidence either way.