Restoring identity: The use of religion as a mechanism to transition between an identity of sexual offending to a non-offending identity. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kewley, Stephanie; Larkin, Michael; Harkins, Leigh; Beech, Anthony R
• Is Part Of: Criminology & criminal justice. Volume 17:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Community reintegration -- desistance -- sexual offender; Criminology -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1748895816654530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-8958

Abstract

This study examines the unique experience of participants who during their reintegration back into the community, following a conviction for sexual offending, re-engaged with religious and spiritual communities. To explore meaning Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted. Four in-depth interviews of men convicted for sexual crimes were undertaken and analysed. Findings indicate that through religious affiliation participants were: exposed to new prosocial networks; provided opportunities to seek forgiveness; felt a sense of belonging and affiliation; and were psychologically comforted. However, the study also found that the process of identity transition from 'offender' to 'non-offender' was not seamless or straightforward for those with an innate sexual deviancy towards children, caution is therefore advised.