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Copyright of Neue Kriminalpolitik is the property of Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Copyright of Gerais: Revista Interinstitucional de Psicologia is the property of Gerais: Revista Interinstitucional de Psicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Notre perception des individus ayant recours aux pratiques sexuelles sadiques a longtemps été influencée par la médiatisation d'infractions sexuelles particulièrement graves, généralement des homicides sexuels sadiques. En effet, la plupart des gens associent le sadisme sexuel à des noms de meurtriers sexuels en série tels que Ted Bundy ou Guy Georges. Toutefois, le profil psychologique et les comportements de ces individus ne sont absolument pas représentatifs du profil des individus qui, dans la population générale, pratiquent les activités sexuelles sadiques dans un cadre consensuel. Au-delà des individus pratiquant des activités sexuelles sadiques, les résultats scientifiques (ex. : enquête populationnelle), mais aussi certains succès de la culture populaire (ex. : livres), mettent en évidence que ce qui pouvait paraître autrefois comme étant stigmatisés et « déviants » l'a peut-être été de manière injustifiée en raison de l'engouement populaire que cette thématique peut susciter. Avec plus de 125 millions d'exemplaires imprimées et électroniques vendus dans le monde en 2015, la trilogie de romans érotiques Fifty Shades of Grey (Cinquante nuances de gris) de E.L. James, qui met en avant les pratiques sexuelles impliquant plusieurs déclinaisons du sadisme, de la servitude et de l'initiation à la soumission sexuelle, est en soi un marqueur intéressant des possibles nuances de sadisme au sein de la population générale. Dans cet entretien avec Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Jonathan James, Alexandre Gauthier, Étienne Garant, Ingrid Ménard et Tamsin Higgs dressent l'état des lieux de cet état du sadisme sexuel, que cela soit notamment en termes de pratiques sexuelles consentantes ou en termes d'intérêt sexuels coercitif sadique. Our perception of individuals who engage in sadistic sexual practices has long been influenced by media coverage of highly severe sexual offenses, typically sadistic sexual homicides. Indeed, most people associate sexual sadism with the names of serial sexual murderers such as Ted Bundy or Guy Georges. However, the psychological profile and behaviors of these individuals are in no way representative of the profile of individuals in the general population who practice sadistic sexual activities in a consensual context. In addition from what seems to be a growing number of individuals engaging in consensual sadistic sexual activities, scientific findings (e.g.: population surveys) and certain popular culture successes (e.g.: books) reflect that what have been stigmatized and "deviant" in the past may have been unjustifiably labeled as such. The tremendous success of E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of erotic novels, which showcases initiation into sexual practices involving several declinations of sadism, bondage and sexual submission, supports this argument. With over 125 million print and electronic copies sold worldwide in 2015, it is in itself an interesting marker of an interest towards sexual sadism within the general population. In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Jonathan James, Alexandre Gauthier, Étienne Garant, Ingrid Ménard and Tamsin Higgs present the current state of knowledge on sexual sadism, both in terms of consensual sadistic sexual practices as well as the engagement in coercive and illegal sadistic sexual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess treatment change at both a group and individual level in a sample of 81 Dutch male patients who received mandated care for either violent (non-sexual) behavior or sexual violent behavior. Psychiatric nurses rated patients' social skills, insight, hostility, physical violence with the BEST-Index every 6 months over the course of 2 years after patients were admitted to hospital. Mixed analysis of covariances and the reliable change index indicated that patients, irrespective of offense type, showed treatment change over time with exception of physical violence. This study shows that general treatment may be useful in the first 18 month for risk factors common to different types of offenses, but that specialized treatment is needed to establish further change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual aggression and offense among youths have long been subjected to scientific inquiries. A sizable number of these inquiries have identified sexually aggressive youths to constitute a heterogeneous group with possible distinct subgroups varying across their targeted victims and risk factors. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of research geared toward identifying these subgroups. Using self-reported data collected from US middle and high school students, this study employs a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify the subgroups of sexually aggressive youths using a data-driven strategy. The LCA results indicate three latent classes (sub-groups) to be distinguishable both quantitatively and qualitatively in the study sample: general delinquents, emotionally disturbed, and low-risk youths. These subgroups are comparable with those identified in similar previous studies. However, the subgroups' sizes in this study vary slightly from the sizes of the subgroups identified by earlier studies. The study concludes by presenting the reasons for the identified differences, policy implications, study limitations, and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to analyse the judicial proceedings in cases of statutory rape and sexual offenses against women in rural Michoacan in the 18th century. The documentation used for the study comes from the Justice Collection of the Historical Archive of the Municipality of Morelia. We will study the information provided by the procedural records, the statements of the witnesses, the forensic tests and the judge's sentences that were dictated under the viceroyalty laws for this type of crimes. The data provided by these extraordinarily rich sources allow us to make an intersectional reading to compose a genealogy of sexual violence in New Spain, gender, and alterity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review examines the literature on the impact of pornography use by individuals convicted of sexual offenses; specifically, it highlights relevant research regarding the effect pornography use has on sexual offense recidivism and explores the implications for treatment and supervision. Recent Findings: The current literature suggests that the use of pornography, by itself, does not consistently increase risk for sexual recidivism. Research suggests that pornography use may increase risk for sexual recidivism among adult males who have been assessed as high-risk, while the same cannot be said for low-risk adult males. Pornography may reinforce attitudes supportive of sexual aggression, such as hostility and sexual preoccupation, both variables that have been shown to relate to further acts of sexual offending. Pornography use is more predictive of risk when matched to the type of offense. Summary: The extent to which pornography impacts the conceptualization of risk (and therefore treatment and supervision plans) depends on several factors such as the type of pornographic material viewed, the congruence of that material with the individual's offending history, and the expectations regarding the use of pornography within the treatment/supervision context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigating the underlying psychosocial factors is a cornerstone of planning need-based intervention for adult males accused of rape. Unresolved debates on its etiology, mediation, or interaction among causal psychosocial variables fuel curiosity to scrutinize it further. Hence, we studied potential influence of and relation between adverse childhood experiences, aggression, empathy, and psychopathology in adult males accused of rape in India and investigated the risk factors for the same. Methods: With a correlational research design, 40 literate and consenting adult males medically confirmed for rape were recruited using convenient sampling. The assessment was done on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Aggression Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's product–moment correlation, and stepwise linear regression analysis were calculated. Results: Approximately 75% of the participants experienced at least one category of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Scores above cut-off points were obtained on anger, hostility, fantasy, and personal distress. Significant correlations were obtained between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology; between hostility and psychopathology, perspective taking, and personal distress; and in case of indirect aggression, with perspective taking and empathetic concerns. Regression analysis revealed that an increase in Symptom Checklist-90 global scores increases hostility and that lower personal distress predicts higher scores on hostility on Aggression Questionnaire. Conclusions: Adverse childhood experiences, aggression, and psychopathology play a critical role and, therefore, should be included as core components of the prevention of rape or relapse prevention programs at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing treatment to those who have committed sexual offenses can be difficult and challenging work. Older studies have suggested that service providers may experience changes in mood, symptoms of trauma, and countertransference reactions due to their work. Recent research has found that effective coping and self-care strategies may mitigate these negative outcomes. Given the relative dearth of recent empirical studies, we assessed the prevalence of self-reported mood, trauma symptoms, and countertransference reactions and their relation to coping styles and self-care practices in a sample of 32 male and 52 female therapists who provided treatment to individuals convicted of sexual offenses. As expected, we found minimal levels of clinically significant depressive (4%) and trauma symptoms (9%). Some countertransference reactions to clients were reported, including intense anger, retributive fantasies, sexual attraction, and arousal. A problem-solving coping style was associated with higher levels of psychological well-being, while avoidant coping was related to increased depressive and trauma symptoms. Approximately 10% of therapists with an abuse history reported re-experiencing their own victimization. The majority of therapists reported engaging in self-care practices. The findings are discussed as they pertain to those who provide services to individuals convicted of sexual offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Law Enforcement / Magyar Rendészet is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This text refers to an exploratory research carried out with adolescents that have committed sexual offense in the age group of 16 to 18 years and were participating in a program to assist families in situations of violence. The objective is to investigate the risk of sexual recidivism of these participants, using the instrument ERASOR 2.0 (Portuguese version). This is a documentary research, with information collected from the records of 12 adolescents in the year 2020, during the pandemic period of COVID-19. The instrument is a checklist of 25 factors that assess risks in five categories: sexual interests, attitudes and behaviors; history of sexual assault; psychosocial functioning; family context and treatment. Psychosocial care for these individuals in late adolescence can avoid prosecuting and criminalizing this age group, preventing future young adults from being judged by the criminal system, in case the sexual offense recur

Although risk factors associated with offending and recidivism are relatively well-established for mainstream sexual offenses, much less is known about men with a low IQ who have sexually offended (MIQSO), let alone those with forensic involvement. In this exploratory study, 137 convicted for the commission of at least one sexual offense and found not criminally responsible because a mental disorder were recruited in a maximum-security hospital. They were all assessed with the SORAG (static risk factors) and the RSVP (dynamic risk factors). Compared with MIQSO (N = 76), men with an average or higher IQ who have sexually offended (MSO, N = 61) obtained significantly higher scores on static factors related with general delinquency (histories of alcohol abuse, non-violent criminality, violent criminality, and sexual offense) and dynamic factors related with sexual delinquency, paraphilia, and recidivism (chronicity, psychological coercion, escalation, sexual deviance, and substance abuse). In contrast, MIQSO obtained significantly higher scores on major mental illness, problems with planning and problems with self-awareness. Logistic regressions revealed that both the SORAG and RSVP were useful to predict group membership. It is concluded that risk factors related with general and sexual delinquency better describe offenses committed by MSO, whereas risk factors related with mental disorder, lack of insight and contextual impulsivity better describe offenses committed by MIQSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterans have higher rates of incarceration for sexual offenses than non-veterans, but little is known about the factors associated with repeat sexual offending among veterans. This study used the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities to examine whether the factors associated with repeat sexual offending differ between veterans and non-veterans. In a multivariate logistic regression, there were significant interactions between veteran status and both age and race. Diagnosis of personality disorder and history of violation of conditional release were also associated with repeat offense status. Findings can help inform intervention and risk management with veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of an offender's sex (male/female) on whether sexual-offense incidents reported to law enforcement culminated in an arrest. Two hypotheses, chivalry and evil woman, are relied upon and suggest that the probability of arrest differs for women and men, yet in differing directions. The chivalry hypothesis suggests women are treated more leniently than men and, therefore, less likely to be arrested. The evil woman hypothesis, however, suggests the opposite: Women are treated more harshly than men and, therefore, more likely to be arrested. Seven years of National Incident-based Reporting System [NIBRS] data were relied upon (National Archive of Criminal Justice Data, 2010–2016 , National Incident-based Reporting System: Extract Files); all of the reported sexual-offense incidents committed by women were included, along with a matched sample of reported sexual-offense incidents committed by men, culminating in a sample of 22,744. Overall, women were 42% significantly less likely than men to be arrested when controlling for other known offense, offender, and victim characteristics. The odds for women to be arrested increased, however, when specific offender demographics, offense characteristics, and victim characteristics were taken into account. The implications of these findings are discussed in regard to their application of the chivalry and evil woman hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to discuss the reflexivity of female children victims of sexual violence during a psychosocial intervention with a psychodramatic orientation, seeking out to understand the meanings present in the dialogues and plays. The research participants were 13 girls victims of sexual violence perpetrated by an adolescent close relative. Two group sessions records were used to focus on the interpretation of reflexivity on the theme of protection. The results describe the sessions in the organization: warm-up, dramatization and sharing. The discussion focuses on the earnings that play and dramatic plays bring to reflexivityabout a topic such as arduous as sexual violence. The creation of a playful environment favors a dialogue between victims and adolescent offenders.

Although risk factors associated with offending and recidivism are relatively well-established for mainstream sexual offenses, much less is known about men with a low IQ who have sexually offended (MIQSO), let alone those with forensic involvement. In this exploratory study, 137 convicted for the commission of at least one sexual offense and found not criminally responsible because a mental disorder were recruited in a maximum-security hospital. They were all assessed with the SORAG (static risk factors) and the RSVP (dynamic risk factors). Compared with MIQSO (N = 76), men with an average or higher IQ who have sexually offended (MSO, N = 61) obtained significantly higher scores on static factors related with general delinquency (histories of alcohol abuse, non-violent criminality, violent criminality, and sexual offense) and dynamic factors related with sexual delinquency, paraphilia, and recidivism (chronicity, psychological coercion, escalation, sexual deviance, and substance abuse). In contrast, MIQSO obtained significantly higher scores on major mental illness, problems with planning and problems with self-awareness. Logistic regressions revealed that both the SORAG and RSVP were useful to predict group membership. It is concluded that risk factors related with general and sexual delinquency better describe offenses committed by MSO, whereas risk factors related with mental disorder, lack of insight and contextual impulsivity better describe offenses committed by MIQSO.

In this study we investigate the intersecting impacts of perpetrators' gender, sexuality, and age on perceptions of teacher sexual misconduct. When the teacher was a woman, respondents perceived the relationship to be less detrimental to the student, the student to be more mature and responsible, and the relationship as more acceptable. Heterosexual pairings were perceived as more acceptable than same-sex pairings, with the student perceived as more mature and responsible. Lastly, when the teacher was older respondents perceived them as more responsible and the student as having psychological issues contributing to the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child sexual abuse is associated with multiple and often severe consequences for people who are affected by it. From the perspective of indicative prevention, the treatment of people who have sexually abused children represents one important strategy, with the assumption that there is often a risk for sexual recidivism. However, there is still very limited knowledge about how men who have not been convicted of child sexual abuse but participate in voluntary treatment (here called non-forensic clients) differ from those who have been convicted and undergo mandated treatment (here called forensic clients). This study compared 22 forensic and 22 non-forensic clients regarding pedophilic interests, static and dynamic risk factors, responsivity features, and treatment progress during an individualized treatment based on the principles of risk, need, and responsivity. We found neither differences in the rates in the DSM-5 diagnosis of pedophilic disorder, nor in risk and responsivity associated scores at the beginning of treatment. In both groups, a low to moderate risk for sexual re-offending was estimated. Both groups improved their functioning on dynamic risk and responsivity factors under treatment, while age at the beginning of therapy also had a positive effect on all outcomes. Non-forensic clients had a higher amount of responsivity associated resources than forensic clients during treatment. The limitations of these results and their implications for further research and prevention approaches are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Aletheia is the property of Aletheia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Although there is evidence that the positive impact of multisystemic therapy for problem sexual behaviors (MST-PSB) reaches as far as young adulthood, the longer-term effects of MST-PSB into midlife are unknown. The present study examined criminal and civil court outcomes for sexually offending youths who participated on average 24.9 years earlier in a clinical trial of MST-PSB (Borduin et al., Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2009, 77, p. 26). Method: Participants were 48 individuals who were originally randomized to MST-PSB or usual community services (UCS) and were at high risk of continued criminality. Arrest, incarceration, and civil suit data were obtained in middle adulthood when participants averaged 39.4 years of age. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses showed that MST-PSB participants had 85% fewer sexual offenses and 70% fewer nonsexual offenses than did UCS participants. In addition, MST-PSB participants were sentenced to 46% fewer days of incarceration and had 62% fewer family-related civil suits. Moreover, the favorable effects of MST-PSB on participants' crimes and civil suits were mediated by improved peer and family relations during treatment. Conclusion: The current study represents the longest and most comprehensive follow-up to date of an MST-PSB clinical trial and demonstrates that the positive effects of an evidence-based youth treatment for sexual crimes can last well into adulthood. Implications of the findings for policymakers, service providers, and researchers are discussed. What is the public health significance of this article?: This study demonstrates that a comprehensive, family-based treatment for youth sexual offending can have a lasting impact on participants' lives. The findings are useful for policymakers and service providers to consider in their selection of mental health interventions for youths who engage in sexual offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General criminal attitudes have been well established as a dynamic risk factor for the origin, maintenance, and continuation of criminal behavior. Guided by the risk–need–responsivity (RNR) framework, this study examined self-reported change on a measure of general criminal attitudes in a sample of incarcerated men who participated in a sexual offense treatment program. Participants were administered the original version of the Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS) and other measures at pretreatment and posttreatment and followed up in the community an average 14 years post-release. The results demonstrated that CSS total and subscale scores predicted general and violent recidivism, showed convergence with actuarial measures of criminogenic need, and had clinically meaningful associations with responsivity considerations. Pre–post changes on the CSS were associated with decreased general and violent recidivism controlling for pretreatment score and baseline risk. Implications for forensic assessment and correctional intervention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior literature highlights the effectiveness of the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) risk principle when providing community supervision and treatment to general justice-involved individuals and special populations such as individuals convicted of a sexual offense. Individuals deemed high-risk, per risk assessment, should receive the most intensive levels of community supervision and treatment, while individuals classified as low risk should receive the lowest intensity. Research in support for the risk principle finds adherence decreased recidivism rates and increased probation compliance. The current study assesses the effects of adhering (or not) to the risk principle in supervision levels and treatment dosage on the compliance of individuals on probation for a sexual offense ( N = 133). Overall, results support risk principle adherence for individuals, with increasing adherence levels associated with significantly more compliance, and non-adherence resulting in adverse outcomes. Implications for policy and practice in the supervision and treatment of individuals with a sexual offense are discussed., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The Brazilian policy to combat sexual violence emphasizes the importance of protecting victims, as well as accounting for and taking care of the perpetrator. The aim of this paper is to describe one strategy that is being used to address difficult issues – such as the processes of offenders’ own victimization itself, the expression of sexuality and sexual desire for children – in the context of psychosocial interventions for adult sexual offenders against children and adolescents. The strategies adopted are based on psychodrama techniques, which facilitate the overcoming of emotional obstacles to these issues, creating a playful environment during the intervention, providing conditions for reflection, expression of feelings, decreased tension, and which contribute to integration and group engagement in the tasks. This option avoids a confrontational position and favours the development of empathy.

La rencontre avec les patients auteurs d'infractions à caractère sexuel convoque une possible sidération chez le thérapeute pouvant engager des mouvements de rejet, de fascination ou de défense intuitivement suscités par le motif de l'incarcération ou de l'obligation de soin. Face à ce constat, et au regard des questionnaires d'investigation clinique spécifiquement développés pour cette population, cet article présente le processus élaboratif et les soubassements théoriques qui ont permis que s'échafaude une nouvelle version d'un entretien clinique destiné aux auteurs de violences sexuelles. Le remaniement du canevas d'entretien a été élaboré à l'aune des trois fonctions supposées du questionnaire, à savoir, être au service à la fois d'une médiation relationnelle, de l'investigation du fonctionnement psychique et de l'identification de leviers thérapeutiques. Sur la base de la littérature psychanalytique classique et actuelle, et au regard de la clinique rencontrée avec des patients reçus au sein du Service de Médecine et de Psychiatrie Pénitentiaires (SMPP) du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (Suisse), nous présentons ici les hypothèses constitutives du nouveau canevas d'entretien. Ce dernier fait actuellement l'objet d'une recherche universitaire qui a pour objectif de valider les éléments théoriques avancés dans cet article. The therapist may have reactions of shock, rejection, fascination or defense when meeting with patients who are sex offenders, a response that is intuitively provoked by the patient's incarceration or the duty of care. Based on this observation, and on the clinical assessment questionnaires that are specifically developed for this population, this article presents the process of development and the theoretical foundations that were the basis for a new version of a clinical interview destined for sex offenders. This new framework for the clinical interview was created in relation to the three main functions of the questionnaire, in particular, for interpersonal mediation, investigation of psychological functioning and to identify therapeutic strategies. Thus, the goal of the Clinical Interview of Lausanne is to be an object for the mediation of the therapeutic relationship that can create a space where the manifestations of counter-transference by the therapist can be reduced, while still sufficiently respecting and containing the patient's subjectivity. In this way not only can the patient's psychological functioning in relation to his/her sexual offenses be assessed but also his/her disconnection and denial can be gradually resolved. Based on classic and recent psychoanalytical literature and the clinical experience with patients in the Service de Médecine et de Psychiatrie Pénitentiaires (SMPP) of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (Switzerland), we present the hypotheses used to develop this new interview framework. This new version is in the process of being evaluated in a university research study to validate the theoretical elements presented in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic brain disturbances particularly related to frontal cortex structures and subcortical areas including the basal ganglia may play a role in behavioral disinhibition disorders. Kluver–Bucy syndrome (KBS), which is one of the better knowns of these syndromes, includes hyperorality, visual agnosia, and hypersexuality, has been reported to occur after temporal lobe and amygdala lesions; however, several patients who had focal lesions in areas other than the temporal cortex and amygdala have been reported to present partial KBS symptoms. Nucleus lentiformis refers to a large portion of the basal ganglia including the putamen and globus pallidus, and specific structures within this broad area are known to be important for reward and value‐based decision making. To date, KBS symptoms including hypersexual behavior associated with nucleus lentiformis lesions have never been reported. Here, we present a 38‐year‐old male patient who developed increased sexual interest and hyperorality after infarctions in the right lenticular nucleus and right occipitotemporal region and committed a first‐degree sexual assault. He was sent to our institution for the assessment of criminal responsibility to the index sexual crime. According to a comprehensive and thorough forensic psychiatric evaluation, he was diagnosed as having an organic personality disorder with partial KBS symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of deviant sexual behavior and hyperorality developing after nucleus lentiformis infarction. We aimed to discuss possible neurobiologic explanations of late‐onset deviant sexual behavior, which resulted in sexual criminal behavior following a cerebrovascular infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is the leading cause of preventable death in US jails and prisons, with rates three to nine times higher than those of the general population. Although suicide in correctional settings has been recognised as a serious problem, the research on suicide among incarcerated individuals remains limited. Individuals who have committed sexual offenses may be at an elevated risk for suicide. Specifically, they have been found to report high rates of hopelessness and depressive mood, and approximately 14% of individuals convicted of sexual offenses have reported a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Most of these data are based upon official reports and may represent an underreporting of the true prevalence of the problem. The current study provides an analysis of the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviours in a large national sample of individuals convicted of a sexually based crime. Overall, 17.9% of the offenders reported an attempted suicide in their lifetime, 15.1% reported experiencing suicidal ideation but never made an attempt. Risk factors for suicide attempts and ideation for this population are reported. The findings are discussed in the context of suicide prevention and intervention efforts among those who have committed sex offenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ocial workers often find themselves working with children or adolescents who have been victims of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including youths who have ended up in the juvenile justice system. Childhood trauma has been linked to negative health, mental health, and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence rates of child maltreatment and household dysfunction in the lives of juveniles who have been arrested for sexual offenses (JSO; n = 6,549). ACE prevalence rates for JSOs were compared by gender to juveniles arrested for other crimes, to adults arrested for sexual offenses, and to the general population. Youths in the delinquency system in Florida had much higher rates of high-ACE scores than the general population, indicating that they came from households where the accumulation and variety of early adversity is a salient feature in their lives. For those who have engaged in sexually abusive behavior, the existence of early maltreatment and family problems was prominent. Through a better understanding of the traumatic experiences of these youths, we can inform and enhance interventions designed to improve the functioning of sexually abusive juvenile clients and their families, and reduce risk of future recidivism.

A man in his thirties was suspected of committing a sexual offense against a young girl. A video on his mobile telephone provided the only evidence. Photographs obtained from the video showed male genitalia in two views, with the penis in both views exhibiting unique pigmentation. We appraised this case with the cooperation of dermatologists, who diagnosed the pigmentation as male genital melanosis, a relatively rare disease, which matched that on the suspected perpetrator's penis. Photographs obtained from the video were thus decisive evidence of sexual offense and identified the perpetrator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children often have difficulties finding treatment, despite its potential effectiveness. Although the development of web-based interventions could enhance therapeutic supply, up to now the acceptance thereof among this target group is unknown., Objective: For the first time, this study assesses the acceptance of a web-based intervention among individuals who committed sexual offenses against children and analyzes variables that predict acceptance. Following the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), it is assumed that acceptance of web-based interventions in individuals who have committed sexual offenses against children follows the same mechanisms as for individuals in general psychiatry., Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on the data from an ongoing clinical trial (@myTabu) evaluating the effectiveness of a web-based intervention in individuals who committed sexual offenses against children (N=113). Acceptance level was measured using a questionnaire based on the UTAUT and modified for the target group. Furthermore, predictors of acceptance from the UTAUT (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence [SI]), attitudes toward web-based interventions, and internet anxiety were assessed at baseline., Results: Most participants (61.1%, 69/113), reported high acceptance, while 36.3% (41/113) of them indicated moderate acceptance, and 2.7% (3/113) of them expressed low acceptance. In a linear regression model, the predictors explained 41.2% of the variance (F 11,101 =9.055; P=.01). Attitudes toward web-based interventions (B=0.398, 95% CI 0.16-0.64; P=.001) and SI (B=0.183, 95% CI 0.03-0.38; P=.04) significantly predicted acceptance. Post hoc explorative analysis showed that the participants' belief that people close to them would recommend the use of a web-based intervention is a predictor of acceptance. In contrast, the belief that their community supervisor would recommend the use thereof was not predictive in this respect., Conclusions: For the participants of this study, we identified high acceptance of web-based interventions for the majority of participants. SI and the participants' attitudes toward web-based interventions were important in predicting acceptance., Trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Registration (DRKS, Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) DRKS 00021256; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00021256., (©Sonja Schröder, Claudia Buntrock, Louisa Neumann, Jürgen L Müller, Peter Fromberger. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 26.01.2024.)

Historically, the news media have engaged in high rates victim blaming in their reporting of sexual assaults. However, in recent years, gains in civil rights and renewed attention to Title IX may mean sexual assault victims are receiving less-biased news coverage. Using a content analysis, we examined the tone and message of all crime stories published in one United States university newspaper from academic year 2015–2016 (n = 99). Comparing attributions of responsibility made to both victims and offenders across several major crime categories (rape, murder, sexual assault, robbery, physical assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual abuse), and consistent with historical trends, we found higher levels of victim blaming in stories on rape and sexual assault than any other crime. We identify rhetorical devices commonly used to discredit the victim and/or absolve the perpetrator. Despite perceived gains achieved by Title IX, news coverage continues to buttress victim blaming culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]