Comparing Static-99R and STABLE-2007 profiles of people convicted of sexual offences in Hong Kong to Western normative data

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates cross-cultural applications of Static-99R and STABLE-2007 in assessing sexual recidivism risk in Hong Kong. Comparing scores of 249 incarcerated individuals convicted of sexual offences in Hong Kong with Western norms, results show greater cultural similarities in STABLE-2007 than Static-99R items. Hong Kong offenders exhibit higher total risk scores than those reported in Western validation samples. Notably, they appeared to ‘specialise’ in non-contact offences like taking up-skirt pictures, were less criminally involved, and had more non-male strangers or non-family members victims compared to Western validation samples. These findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive risk assessment tools in diverse contexts. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT In response to recent calls to examine the cross-cultural application of western-developed risk assessment tools, the present study examined the applicability of the Static-99R and STABLE-2007 among a sample of persons who had sexually offended in Hong Kong (HK). The research supported the Evaluation and Treatment Unit’s recent attempts to strengthen seamless continuation of care from custody and community, as the sentences of these individuals typically last for only a few weeks.