By Al Duke

 Most sex offenders are male (Wodarski & Johnson, 1988). In fact my expert, a Probation Officer of sex offenders only encountered about 5 females out of sex offenders in the course of 6 years.  Sex offenders cannot be distinguished by race (Hilarski, 2008).  Biological methods are used to treat sex offenders such as drugs and surgery (Erlt & McNamara, 1997)(Greenfield, 2006).

 Sex offenders have cognitive distortions in the following forms (this is important):  “Permission-Giving Statements” which are cog distortions that in the mind of the offender gives them permission to behave deviantly (Erlt & McNamara, 1997).  Denial in which the offender “distort(s), minimize(s), blame(s), rationalize(s), or lie(s) to avoid responsibility.” Denial also protects them from shame, stigma and rejection of their families (Kahn & Lafond, 1988).  Therapy involves breaking through these cognitive distortions.

 The cycle of abuse is important. If the offender was abused as a child, he has learned to abused through social learning (Burton, 2003).  Psychological factors are important in treatment:  Cognitive-behavior techniques are used to prevent relapse, modify cognitive distortions, building empathy, impulse control, and skills training (Efta- Breitbach & Freeman, 2004).  Psychoeducation techniques such as sex ed and anger management are used Efta-Breitbach & Freeman, 2004)..  Satiation training, covert sensitization and systematic desensitization is used to decrease deviant arousal patterns (Ertl & McNamara, 1997).

 Sex offenders come from dysfunctional families that are usually isolated (Wodarski & Johnson, 1988). As a result of this most sex offenders lack social skills.  Treatment modality is another social factor. Treatment can take place in the following forms (Efta-Breitbach & Freeman)  Group Therapy  Family Therapy  Multisystemic

 Sexual offenders buy into unattainable stereotypes about the “macho” man and the stereotypes that devalue women (Kahn & Lafond, 1988).  Due to their status as sex offenders, those who are on probation must abide by the stipulations of probation, special stipulations by the state court and the stipulations of being a registered sex offender (A. Harper, personal communication, October 27, 2008).

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