A cost–benefit analysis of a treatment program for adult males who have offended sexually. Issue 3 (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marshall, W. L.; Marshall, Liam E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sexual aggression. Volume 27:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Cost–benefit analysis -- sex offending -- treatment effect -- treatment outcome -- strength-based approach; Sex crimes -- Periodicals; Sexual animosity -- Periodicals; Sex offenders -- Periodicals; 306.7705
• DOI: 10.1080/13552600.2021.1934133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-2600

Abstract

ABSTRACT : In this paper, we estimate the financial benefits that can result from effective sexual offender treatment. We base our estimates on both an earlier outcome evaluation of a prison-based sexual offender programme and a report of the costs to the judicial system of reoffending. The outcome study reported significant reductions in re-offence rates compared to a matched group of untreated sexual offenders. We show that these reductions in reoffending not only saved a significant number of people from subsequently being abused by the offenders, it also resulted in very significant savings to the taxpayers to the tune of over $14 million Canadian. While these results are encouraging, additional studies are needed to extend the examination of these potential benefits.