Examining The Sexual Assault Criminology Essay

Examining The Sexual Assault Criminology EssayWhen some 1 hears the words sex offender or cozy assault, the true response is fear. The atrocious acts carried out by some sex offenders be very hard for the public to understand, and present society with complex challenges. Society a good deal finds it easier to turn a blind eye to the crime, lock up the offender and throw away the key than attempt to address the challenge appropriately. There is a lack of public understanding toward sex offenders for the most part. This paper is intended to not only try to explain the psychology of the informal offender just to in addition dispel the myth of the untreatable sex offender, and provide conclusive evidence that sex offender discourse is not only possible but to a large extent is successful in reducing the recidivism of sex offenders. Treatment and rehabilitation stupefy been central to the development of felon justice form _or_ system of government, and have play an important ro le in the development of criminology. In recent years punishment and retribution have attracted more attention than rehabilitation, but there has been a resurgence of interest in treatment and rehabilitation, with indications that some things do work, and an emphasis on evidence-based policy making. It is also the belief of objet darty a(prenominal) that a penal policy without an adequate treatment st outrankgy is unjust and a denial of kind rights.Sexual OffendersThere be terzetto types of sex offenders determined by the courts who have to report to the sheriff. In an effort to decrease the incidence of sexual assault, legislators have passed regulatory laws aimed at reducing recidivism among convicted sexual offenders. As a result, sex offenders livelihood in the United States argon bound by multiple policies, including registration, community notification, monitoring via a global positioning system, civil commitment, and residency, loitering, and Internet restrictions (Bo nnar-Kidd, 2010). First is the sexually Oriented Offenders. No community notification is needed, but the offender must report to law enforcement for a given time, usually ten years. Next is the wonted(prenominal) Sex Offender. If directed by the Court, law enforcement may notify the community and the offender must report annually for usually a set xx years. Finally is the Sexual Predators whose guidelines are much stricter. Unless a Judge terminates the sexual predator title, the offender must verify their residence every ninety geezerhood and law enforcement is required to notify the community in which the offender lives that they do indeed have a sexual offender in the area. Among those that need to be notified are neighbors at heart a 1000 foot radius of the offenders residence, school superintendents, day care operators, and local law enforcement.Different Types of Sexual OffendersOf the three groups, incest nestling molesters were the least likely to sexually recidivate, at a rate of 8.4% (Hanson, 2001). This finding carries with it many important implications for treatment. Since the rate is relatively low, it has traditionally been believed that the best form of treatment for incest squirt molesters is a minimally intrusive form of therapy that reduces sexual recidivismAccording to Hansons study (2001) rapists were the second most likely group of sex offenders to sexually recidivate, at a rate of 17.1%. Most enquiry done on rapists indicates that they are a distinct group of offenders who are distinguishable from kid molesters. For instance, rapists tend to be younger than child molesters, each having average ages of 32.1 and 38, respectively (Hanson, 2001). More importantly, a meta-analysis of sex offender treatment course of studys found that rapists were more likely to recidivate non-sexually than were child molesters (Hanson Bussiere, 1996). In fact, it has been noted that rapists share more characteristics with the general criminal popul ation than do child molesters. Characteristics that identify general criminals, such as prior criminal memorializes and asocial personality, are similar to characteristics that identify rapists. Furthermore, research has found that rapists are more likely than are child molesters to breach their conditional release. In one sample of 132 subjects who were conditionally released, 40.7% of rapists breached, while only 25% of child molesters did so (Barbaree, Seto Maric, 1996).Of the three groups of sex offenders classified by Hanson (2001), the highest rate of sexual recidivism (19.5%) was recorded for non-incest child molesters. These offenders are at significant risk of reoffending throughout their lives (Hanson, Steffy Gauthier, 1992). A research study that illustrates this point examined the long term recidivism of child molesters. In the study, these offenders were classified into three groups a treated group jibe group one and control group two. Both control groups were used to control for cohort effects. A broad(a) of 197 child molesters, a majority of them being non-incest child molesters, released from Canadian correctional facilities between 1958 and 1974 were tracked over an extensive period of time (31 years for control group one offenders). Results showed that 42% of the total sample was reconvicted for a sexual and/or ruby offence. The long term risk of recidivism for non-incest child molesters is based on the fact that 10% of the total sample was reconvicted between 10 and 31 years after release.Causes of Sexual OffensesThese theories suggest that there are factors at the person level that contribute to the likelihood of a person committing sexually violent acts. The variables that have been explored in the research range from biological factors to personality characteristics to attitudes and beliefs.1. EvolutionIt is suggested within this theory strategies that have successfully reproduced our ancestors have resulted in the take issueence s between men and women in current human mating. This is an often debated theory which is not widely accept amongst those in this field. An example why could be that evolutionary theories do not address the large number of assaults regarding oral/anal penetration or of those involving alike sex or those who are prepubescent. Those who tend to favor the evolutionary explanations for modern behavior even tend to acknowledge that sexual assault cannot be unholy on evolution alone.2. Physiology and NeurophysiologyThe cause of sexual assault may be found in hormones and another(prenominal) chemicals in the body, as wholesome as take traumas or brain abnormalities. Researchers in this area have found a correlation between testosterone levels in humans and encroachment However, it is still not vindicated if it is whether the testosterone levels lead to aggressive behavior or rise as a result of aggressive behavior. Trauma and violence have been proven to have effects on neurotransm itters, brain function, and hormones. Studies examining brain injuries and abnormalities suggest trauma and violence can lead to an increase in battering behavior, as well as other violent or impulsive acts.3. AlcoholConsiderable evidence links alcohol and physical aggression. Alcohol use is complicated in up to 75% of acquaintance rapes. Alcohol affects mens perception of womens sexual intent. Many men perceive alcohol as a sexual cue thus, alcohol increases the likelihood that consideration will be misperceived as sexual intent and that a man will feel comfortable forcing sex after misperceiving a womans cues. In short, perpetrators are more aggressive and victims less effective at setting boundaries and defending themselves when drinking alcohol. While it is very commonly involved in sexual assaults, many people drink on a daily basis without committing a violent act or engaging in violent behavior, as well as quite the percentage of assaults committed without any presence of a lcohol. Cl ahead of time, the use or abuse of alcohol does not entirely account for the incidence of sexual assault in our society.4. Psychopathology and Personality TraitsMen who rape have been diagnosed with a wide variety of disorders from personality to psychiatric, most often being antisocial personality disorder. Nonetheless, no significant differences between sexual offenders and nonsexual offenders incarcerated have been found within personality tests. The degree of involvement in sexually lordly behavior appears to be related to personality measures of irresponsibility, a lack of social conscience, and a value orientation legitimizing aggression, particularly a foolst women. Investigators have concluded that sexual aggression is determined by many factors. In fact, it has been said that the personality profile of convicted rapists more closely matches the personality profile of men in the general population than any other set of felons.5. Attitudes and Gender Schemas Sexua lly aggressive men are more likely to believe myths to the highest degree rape and that use of social violence is an effective strategy for resolving conflict than are non-aggressive men. These sorts of beliefs may serve as rationalizations for sexual offenders, allowing them to imagine their victims wanted or deserved the sexual acts forced upon them. Once men have developed attitudes that support violence against women, they are likely to misconstrue ambiguous evidence as a impediment of what they already believed. Acceptance of rape myths is strongly related to adversarial sexual beliefs, tolerance of interpersonal violence, and gender role stereotyping.6. Sex and Power MotivesResearch has confirmed that anger and power are the biggest motivating factors in a rapists rationalizations for sexual aggression than sexual desires are. And sexually aggressive men openly admit that their sexual fantasies are aggressive and sadistic.7. Relationship ContextThe stage of relationship bet ween a man and a woman may affect the probability of violence. Some research suggests that men who rape on first or second dates may have similarities to stranger rapists, while men who rape early in what otherwise appears to be a developing relationship may simply misperceive their partners intent. Variables that appear to be risk factors are the mans initiating the date, paying all the expenses, and driving miscommunication about sex heavy alcohol or drug use parking and mens acceptance of traditional sex roles, interpersonal violence, adversarial attitudes about relationships, and rape myths.Societal Influencesanother(prenominal) body of theories suggests that socio-cultural factors contribute to the occurrence of sexual violence. These theories suggest that our society tacitly accepts and encourages sexual violence through expectations and cultural mors, which are transmitted through our history, families, media and institutions.8. tarradiddleThe history of our societys unders tanding of sexual violence has its roots in English property law. Rape entered the law as a property crime of man against man. Woman, of course, was viewed as the property.1 The law assumed marriage vows implied consent to sexual relations, and men were permitted to use whatever force necessary to gain sexual access to their wives. The reveal of sexual assault would not enter the consciousness of the U.S. public until the feminist movement of the 1960s. Feminists saw rape as a mechanism for maintaining patriarchy, a violent means of inducing fear in women and reinforcing their subordination to men. This perspective has shaped the way our culture defines and understands sexual assault today.9. FamilySexual violence endures in human societies, according to this paradigm, because it is modeled by influential members of our society and has positive results for the perpetrator. Children who are exposed to violence between their parents are more likely to be involved in violent intimat e relationships as adults. The structure of the family seems to have an impact on the attitudes and behaviors of children raised in them. Violent sex offenders have been found to be more likely than other adults to have experienced poor parental child-rearing, poor supervision, physical abuse, neglect, and separations from their parents.10. Sexual Expectations and Rape MythsExpectations transmitted by our culture typically encourage men to feel superior, entitled, and that they should be always on the lookout for and ready to initiate sex in their relationships with women. At the same time, these sexual scripts watch women to feel responsible for setting the limits and pace of sexual contact in their relationships with men. Rape myths typically deny the existence of sexual assault, excuse it, and minimize the sincerity of its effects. Acceptance of rape myths is correlated with sexually aggressive behavior.11. Cultural MoresStudies by anthropologists demonstrate the critical role that socio-cultural mores play in defining and promoting violence against women. Cultures differ in the amount of intimate partner violence, as well as the acceptability of this violence. Nearly all societies tolerate rape and have mechanisms that perpetuate violence.12. MediaFrom the early days of the modern womens movement, feminists contended that pornography encouraged sexual aggression towards women by portraying them as nothing more than sex objects, a view that is support in the research. It is depictions of violence against women, rather than sexually graphic material that encourage acceptance of violence and callousness toward women who are its victims. Television and movies often send the marrow that violence works.13. Schools and Other InfluencesSchools contribute to socialization supportive of violent behavior when they repay sex role stereotypes and attitudes that condone the use of violence. Participation in police squad sports may increase the risk of sexual aggres sion. Peers are more influential in shaping individual behavior than biology, personality, family, religion, or culture.Treatment of Sex Offenderscognitive/Behavioral Therapy A weekly cognitive/behavioral group therapy posing is offered to allow offenders to deal with their offence patterns, in order to prevent further offences. The session is based on the premise that sexual offending is fantasy driven behavior and, as such, offenders are required to record and discuss their sexual fantasies. The offenders record data in fantasy logs detailing the number and content of their sexual fantasies. The number of fantasies that the youths were able to stop, masturbatory frequency and the frequency and effectiveness of prevention strategies are also recorded in the fantasy journal. Then, information given by the offender is analyzed, in order to uncover and appropriately deal with cognitive distortions that permit and reinforce deviant fantasies. Deviant fantasies are discouraged, and app ropriate sexual fantasies are encouraged.PsychotherapyThe second type of treatment provided at differ House is psychotherapy, which is also offered in a group counseling setting once a week. These spontaneous, non-agenda driven group is based on the idea that sex offenders live secret lives, and are often victims of sexual abuse themselves. For example, Aylwin, et. al. (in press) found that among 103 adolescent child molesters, 77.9% were sexually abused at some point in their lives. The Counterpoint House course acknowledges this correlation and attempts to address issues surrounding sexual abuse while treating adolescent sex offenders. The theme of the psychotherapy group is getting out the secrets, and success in the group is measured by an offenders participation, personal disclosure, ability to discuss sexual offending issues knowledgeably and ability to provide insight into personal and other group member issues. It has been noted by Counterpoint House staff that the psychot herapy group is where offenders in the program learn to trust and feel support, often for the first time. From this spirit of trust and support, offenders are able to disclose relevant issues about themselves, and help treatment efforts progress with more ease. Furthermore, issues brought up in the psychotherapy group are followed up in individual counseling sessions that are carried out on an ongoing basis by most staff members involved in the Counterpoint House Program. Also, issues raised in individual counseling sessions are often later disclosed in the group sessions, so that the offender can gain the benefit of his peers insights into the issues and obtain necessary support.Skills Therapy Skills therapy is divided into three eight week sections that include anger management, relapse prevention and psychosexual education. The anger management parcel assumes that sex offenders have anger management difficulties, and that sexual offences are one of the manifestations of this mi splaced anger. Counterpoint House staff have developed their own program for addressing anger management of adolescent sex offenders, that encompasses 13 sessions where offenders learn about various anger management issues. Triggers, reactions and consequences of expressions of anger are explored, as well as the presentation of various models of anger. Additionally, cognitive distortions surrounding destructive expressions of anger are identified, and attempts are made to eliminate such distortions. Finally, in the latter sessions, a sign is made between aggressive and assertive behavior. The main inclination of anger management therapy is to replace destructive expressions of anger with appropriate methods of communicating.Sex Offender renewal ProgramThe Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP) is a four month program that assists sex offenders who pose a lower risk of re-offense or who is about to be released on a long term of supervision. The curriculum provides information on var ying topics such as cognitive restructuring, healthy sexuality, interpersonal relationships and anger/stress management. The Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) is an eighteen month program that deals with intensive treatment in an environment within a therapeutic community for sexual offenders that pose a high risk of re-offense. In this setting, offenders are offered fast feedback regarding their treatment progress as well as behavior. The SOTP employs a cognitive-behavioral model within three treatment phases. The main last within this program is to attempt to eliminate or possibly reduce the re-offense rate and move the participant toward a more pro-social lifestyle. All three phases occur in a Therapeutic Community environment, providing necessary behavior modifiers that allow offenders immediate feedback about their behavior and treatment progress.ConclusionAlthough there have been many noteworthy research studies on sex offender recidivism in the past a couple of(prenomi nal) decades, the factors that are associated or trigger re-offense are not concrete. Communication must be open between the justice system, researchers and Doctors that treat sexual offenders. Ultimately, with the gathering of information, the goal is to avoid repeat offenders from committing the crimes again and again. By studying these offenders, strategies could possibly be effectively managed so that these offenders can integrate back into normal society without fear. through and through research and therapy, the goals are to prevent future victimization and a safer community. Strategies can be morphed by following the latest studies into re-offense so that those safety goals can be reached. While you can never know what is going on within a persons head completely, through study and research, a glimpse within the sexual offenders mind can be seen. Since there is no direct link between the amount of incarceration and recidivism, it is difficult to know with certainty if incarce ration is rightfully the best, and main, tool to use. Whether with incarceration and therapy combined can truly change the mind of a sexual offender or deviant, remains to be seen. However, with the end goal being to keep our communities safe and have one less victim have to suffer through the aftermath and devastation of a sexual assault, more research of the criminals mind is an absolute must.