Treatment outcome with sex offenders

The abstinence violation effect in child molesters

“…Much of the early treatment outcome research in the sex offender area is supportive, although there have been some exceptions (Marshall et al, 1991). This form of cognitive-behavioural therapy appears to be particularly effective with child molesters, while other types of sex offenders such as exhibitionists, do not do as well (Marshall et al, 1991).…”

“…While these kinds of sentiments are perfectly understandable, the reality is that most child molesters get released from prison at some point and untreated they are considerably more dangerous. While reconviction rates for untreated child molesters are around 13%, actual reoffending rates for this group have been estimated to be as high as 42%, (Marshall, Jones, Ward, Johnston & Barbaree, 1991).…”

“…There is accumulating evidence that sex offenders can be successfully treated and a recent review suggests that reoffending rates can be considerably reduced by cognitive-behavioural treatment, perhaps by as much as two thirds (Marshall et al, 1991). Treatment has also been demonstrated to be cost effective and for every man successfully treated the state may save up to US $180,000 (Prentky & Burgess, 1990).…”

“…Marlatt's conceptualisation has proved remarkably valuable in the field of addiction, particularly his observation of commonalities across addictive disorders; the presence of short-term satisfaction, delayed negative consequences, the probability of high personal and social costs and difficulty in maintaining behaviour change (Miller, 1980). RP has attracted much interest from clinicians and researchers and the initial outcome literature concerning its effectiveness is certainly encouraging (Curry, Marlatt, Gordon, & Baer, 1988;Gossop, 1989;Laws, 1989;Marshall et aL, 1991;Wilson, 1992).…”

“…Pithers and his 3 colleagues Pithers, Cumming, Beal, Young, & Turner, 1989;Pithers, Martin, & Cumming, 1989) developed the Vermont Treatment Programme for sex offenders and their initial outcome data is encouraging. At this stage only 3% of child sex offenders graduating from their programme have re-offended (Marshall et al, 1991). Pithers has modified Marlatt's cognitive-behavioural model of the relapse process for sex offenders.…”