Entering the world of sex offenders: an exploration of offending behaviour patterns of those with both internet and contact sex offences against children. Issue 2 (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deniz Aslan; Robert Edelmann; Diane Bray; Marcia Worrell
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic practice. Volume 16:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Forensic psychology -- Periodicals; 614.15
• DOI: 10.1108/JFP-02-2013-0015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-8794

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve"> Abstract </x> </title> <p> <bold>Purpose</bold> – The relationship between accessing indecent images online and the perpetration of contact child sex offences remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the offence process of offenders who have both such convictions. <bold>Design/methodology/approach</bold> – A total of eight semi‐structured interviews were conducted with older adult males who had downloaded indecent images and also had a history of contact sex offences against children. Data analysis involved thematic coding based on guidelines suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006). <bold>Findings</bold> – Themes which emerged suggest some similarities (offence process behaviours), but also some differences (developmental factors) between the eight offenders. Data relevant to developmental factors formed two primary themes: childhood attachment difficulties and experiences of childhood abuse, both of which appeared to influence the offence process. Escalating factors generated a further three themes: adult relationships, personality problems and substance use. Five main categories also emerged with regard to offence behaviours: sexually deviant interests, lack of self‐control, opportunity, the role of the internet (availability, easy access and anonymity), and cognitive distortions (justifications: interest in challenge and sexual frustration; denial: accidental access and denial of a victim, normalisation; blame: blame on the victim, new technologies and authorities and blame on other factors; and minimisation). <bold>Practical implications</bold> – A better understanding of the offence process would inform clinical practice with such offenders and aid in the process of prevention. <bold>Originality/value</bold> – This is the first research to date which explores the rationale provided for their behaviour by those convicted of both internet and contact child sex offences.</p> </abstract>