The Offence Process of Sex Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

There have been few attempts to build a model of sexual offending for men with intellectual disabilities and hence clarify appropriate intervention. This study examines any commonalities that characterize the offence process of such men. Using a grounded theory approach, qualitative interviews with sex offenders with intellectual disabilities are analyzed to generate a model of the offence process. Data from qualitative interviews with clinicians is used to triangulate offender participants' data. The subsequent model highlights the importance of individual's attitudes and beliefs and the impact that they have at all stages of the offence process. It raises issues concerning the variation in the process that is seen within and between offences. Additionally, it identifies a marked lack of awareness of any "decency insult" in these offenders, an inability to empathize with society's view of sex offending. A clear implication is that thorough assessment and formulation are likely to be the key to successful and appropriate intervention.

A Comparison of the Application of the Self-Regulation Model of the Relapse Process for Mainstream and Special Needs Sexual Offenders

“…Previous research has suggested that when individual offenders are interviewed directly about their offence they can provide more detail than staff report (Courtney, Rose, & Mason, 2006). This could lead to inaccuracies in the data or potential biases in the collection and analysis of data.…”

‘It’s Intense, to an Extent’: A Qualitative Study of the Emotional Challenges Faced by Staff Working on a Treatment Programme for Intellectually Disabled Sex Offenders

“…2009). Courtney et al. (2006) used qualitative methods to investigate the offence process of sex offenders with an intellectual disability and found considerable variation within and between offences.…”

The relationship between intellectual ability and the treatment needs of offenders in a therapeutic community prison

“…Lindsay (2005) identified two key treatment components when working with ID sex offenders; addressing cognitive distortions and promoting the development of pro-social relationship skills. In addition, using a grounded theory approach, Courtney, Rose and Mason (2006) found a high level of denial and other cognitive distortions among sex offenders with learning disabilities. However, they did not conduct comparisons with a non-ID population.…”