There is recurrent evidence which suggests that well-designed prison-based cognitive behavioural programs do reduce sexual offending or psychological risk factors associated with sexual offending. For example, O’Reilly and associates (2010) undertook a control evaluation of the Prison Service Sexual Offender Intervention Program, a 10-month manualised CBT program. Results for 38 offenders of the program were compared to 38 untreated offenders; all offenders were matched on similar characteristics (e.g. sentence length, age). Compared to the control group, participants of the of the program showed significant improvements in cognitive distortions, empathy, relapse prevention, social skills and self-regulation. Likewise, Perez and Jennings
…show more content…
Additionally, there are certain individual features that could also enhance the intervention thereby contributing to its effectiveness. For example, denial and victim empathy are deemed to hinder treatment effectiveness thus are common issues addressed by treatment programs (Howitt, 2012; Bakker et al., 1998). The recommended program also addressed these issues, however, they were not deemed necessary for Peter as he has demonstrated victim empathy and taken responsibility for his actions through his admission of being ashamed of his behaviours; these are further reflected by his suicidal thoughts and his desire to return to his community and work, perhaps, as reparations. Finally, Peter has a great deal of social resources (i.e. his church) to rely on when release; this will facilitate the relapse prevention and planning segments thereby resulting in the treatment’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
In sum, this paper has comprehensively evaluated issues surrounding child molestations by addressing the following: the impacts of sexual abuse on victims, a theoretical explanation for the origin, onset and maintenance of sexual offending, treatment programs for sex offenders (effectiveness and outcomes measures), and individual characteristics that enhance treatment effectiveness. Future research is necessary to establish
Additionally, there are certain individual features that could also enhance the intervention thereby contributing to its effectiveness. For example, denial and victim empathy are deemed to hinder treatment effectiveness thus are common issues addressed by treatment programs (Howitt, 2012; Bakker et al., 1998). The recommended program also addressed these issues, however, they were not deemed necessary for Peter as he has demonstrated victim empathy and taken responsibility for his actions through his admission of being ashamed of his behaviours; these are further reflected by his suicidal thoughts and his desire to return to his community and work, perhaps, as reparations. Finally, Peter has a great deal of social resources (i.e. his church) to rely on when release; this will facilitate the relapse prevention and planning segments thereby resulting in the treatment’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
In sum, this paper has comprehensively evaluated issues surrounding child molestations by addressing the following: the impacts of sexual abuse on victims, a theoretical explanation for the origin, onset and maintenance of sexual offending, treatment programs for sex offenders (effectiveness and outcomes measures), and individual characteristics that enhance treatment effectiveness. Future research is necessary to establish