In this paper the importance of relationship for understanding sexual offenders is discussed. Studies of social competence in sex offender populations are also reviewed. It was further concluded that while social skills deficiencies are not common in all sex offenders, they are probably significant in some instances. Where social competence deficits do exist, they frequently manifest as deficits in social cognition. Many sexual offenders have a lot of trouble starting and keeping long-term personal relationships. Lack of empathy and incorrect, culturally imposed sexual relationship standards are likely significant factors in these issues. A move from the study of social skills to social relationships is noted and this is perceived as an important development.
The Blog
2007 Themes and risk of sexual violence among the mentally ill, implications for understanding and treatment
This study looked at 11 men’s files from a local forensic service who had committed acts of sexual violence while suffering from a mental illness. Although anti-psychotic medication is an important treatment, medication was the main treatment strategy. If the nature and magnitude of their future risk are to be effectively managed, other people must be taken into account.
2007 Sexual preoccupation as a life style
Sexual preoccupation is said to be better understood as a lifestyle choice rather than the result of a psychological disorder. The lifestyle approach to sexual behavior and concern is a developmental process based on the circumstances of the individual’s existence.
2007 Sexual and relationship dysfunctional in sexual offenders.
The prevalence of marital/relationship dysfunction and of sexual dysfunction among 74 newly sentenced sexual offenders serving custodial sentences in prison was assessed using GRIMS and GRISS. Relationships between scores on these measures were also examined.
2007 Sexual abuse: how far do the ripples go?
The consequences of sexual abuse are far-reaching, affecting not only the victim and abuser, as well as their families and friends, but also the society at large and the professionals who operate in this field. In order to demonstrate the “ripple effects” of sexual assault on the victims and survivors of the abuse, this paper went farther and described case studies.
2007 Neuropsychological deficit in sexual offenders, implication for treatment
This paper provides a brief overview of the growing body of evidence that a proportion of adult sexual offenders present with some localized form of brain pathology, often left temporal lobe, that may, in part, explain the presence of gender dysphonia and the attraction to deviant behavior patterns in sexually anomalous men who prefer child surrogate partners or unsuspecting women.
2007 Marshall: The role of attachments intimacy and loneliness in the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending
The vulnerability of the offender is a crucial component of our general theory of sex offending. This susceptibility develops mostly from poor quality attachment relationships between the parent and the child who may commit sex crimes. Poor attachments cause low self-esteem, poor social skills, and a lack of empathy for others, which make the transition to peer relationships throughout puberty more challenging and present people as objects of sexual gratification. In order to show a connection between low-quality attachments, loneliness, closeness, and the inclination to offend, this paper tries to combine all of these processes.
Sexual offences and help for victims forgotten
It talks about how the need of the other parties involved in sexual abuse could be forgotten. It says that some of them need help as much as the direct victim. This article describes some positive and practical attempt to meet these needs.
2007 Literature update: Paraphilia
In order to treat convicted sex offenders in the community, Avon Probation Service runs a group, which is described in this essay. 63 men joined the group over the course of the study, and of the 55 men who departed during that time, 65% had not committed a new offence by the time it was over. This led to the statement that long-term support for offenders would help things even more positively.
2007 Intimacy and its relevance in human functioning
It mentions intimacy as a crucial aspect that necessitates compatibility and is influenced by a number of circumstances. Teaching about intimacy, however, can help to mitigate the negative consequences of early romantic and social experiences and instead provides a sense of direction for basic needs.