Sexual Offences & Offenders Overview

Sexual Offences & Offenders

• Deviancy vs. Violence: Deviant sexual behavior (pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, etc.) is distinct from violent sexual behavior (rape, sexual assault). Deviancy, rooted in the DSM-5, isn't inherently criminal. Violence, however, is a criminal act.

• Albert Fish Case: A prime example of severe sexual deviancy, showcasing a complex mix of psychological distress, sadomasochism, and violence against children. The case illustrates the atypical nature of some offenders.

• Perceptions vs. Reality: Sex offenders are often wrongly perceived as a homogeneous group of "deranged animals". Reality shows significant variation in offender profiles and motivations. Mental disorders aren't always present; personality disorders are more common.

• Demographic Considerations: While older men are often perceived as sex offenders, younger and teenage males are prevalent within the offender population.

Rape and Sexual Assault

• Definition: Sexual assault is any sexual contact without voluntary consent. Rape, in the US, typically refers to penetration.

• Canadian Legal Classifications: Sexual assault legislation covers various forms, ranging from non-weapon contact to aggravated sexual assault causing serious injury or threat of death. This incudes offenses involving minors or those in authority positions against individuals with disabilities.

• Reporting Challenges: The "attrition pyramid" highlights the vast underreporting of sexual violence. Factors like the relationship between the victim and offender influence the likelihood of reporting (stranger attacks are more likely to be reported).

Statistics

• Victim Demographics: Victims are frequently under the age of 18. Substance use issues are sometimes present. Exploitation often goes beyond simple intercourse; victims may be subjected to demands for services (food, trips, etc).

• Perpetrator Demographics: Offenders are often young (50-70% under age 25), in working-class occupations, and may (though not always) have a history of abuse.

Motivations and Attributions

• General Perceptions: Common, enduring perceptions of sexual assault motivations include: uncontrollable urges, mental illness, and drug influence. Conversely, victim blaming is often a key justification by the offender.

Consequences of Sexual Assault

• Long-Term Impacts: Sexual assault can result in significant, long-term emotional distress, including PTSD and rape trauma syndrome, characterized by both acute and chronic effects (fear, anxiety, etc.). Costs are incurred in various ways – medical, economic, criminal justice, and social services.

Etiology of Sexual Deviancy

• Socialization: Distorted beliefs about gender roles and expectations can affect interpretation of behavior. Limited exposure to diverse, satisfying sexual experiences in adulthood can potentially factor into deviant behaviors.

• Immaturity Hypothesis: Continued reliance on sexual fantasies, perhaps evolving into increasingly deviant ones, is key.

Rapist Classification Systems

• MTC Rapist Classification (Modified): Provides categories for different types of rapists, including: displaced aggression, compensatory, sadistic, and exploitive, each displaying variations in motivation (power, anger, gratification).

• FBI Rapist Motivational Typology: Further categories explore the motivations behind sexual violence, including power reassurance, power assertion, anger retaliation, sadism.

Resisting Rape

• Resistance Strategies: Different levels of resistance (forceful or non-forceful physical and verbal) influence the likely outcome of a sexual assault and potential for injury and harm (forceful physical/verbal resistance is more effective at reducing probability of completion)

Sex Offender Registries & Pedophilic Disorder

• Registries: Sex offenders are mandated to register in Canada/US but the release of information may carry social consequences.

• Pedophilic Disorder: DSM-5 criteria for pedophilic disorder include: significant arousal toward prepubescent children, acting on these urges or distress resulting from them, and a 5-year age difference between perpetrator and victim. Prevalence is estimated at around 3-5 percent of adult males.

Molestation

• Incidence: Molester-victim incidence is predominantly between adult males/children with a close relationship. The offenses are not always rape or penetration.

Molester Typologies

• Groth's Molester Typology: Distinguishes between Fixated (immature) and Regressed molesters. Fixated offenders show a persistent preference for children from a young age; Regressed molesters typically have had successful relationships with adults but regress due to stressful situations.

• Additional Considerations: Research notes additional factors for studying pedophiles to include: degree of fixation on children, social competence, contact with children, nature of violence, and whether pressure or force was used (Force/Pressure is a key dimension in evaluating the situation).

Recidivism

• Cognitive Distortions: Cognitive distortions are predictive of recidivism, though not always present. Non-compliance or dropping out of treatment is a contributing factor to recidivism. Untreated, offenders may be more prone to re-offending.