Abstract
ABSTRACTYoung perpetrators of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) often minimise the severity of their offending. Whilst there have been mixed findings, the most recent literature suggests offence-specific minimisation increases the risk of sexual recidivism in high risk sexual offenders. The presented case study summarises the authors’ engagement with a 17-year-old perpetrator of internet-related HSB (arrested for possessing and distributing thousands of indecent photographs of children) who was minimising the severity of his offending. The client engaged in a six-session intervention which was adapted from two HSB manuals. This involved exploring minimisation, perspective taking and HSB consequences. To assist the formulation process and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, the Internet Behaviour and Attitudes Questionnaire was administered and an unstructured interview facilitated. Whilst the IBAQ revealed a slight increase in minimisation, the interview demonstrated developments in the client's insight into his offending. Implications for future research and practice development are discussed.
Highlights
Young perpetrators of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) often minimise the severity of their offending
Whilst denying and minimising HSB can indicate that an individual recognises their behaviour as wrongful, it can act as an internal barrier for desisting reoffending and seeking appropriate support (Hanson & MortonBourgon, 2004; Van Horn et al, 2015)
The author recommended the client engage in an intervention to reduce this minimisation. This was due to the suggested link between offence-specific minimisation and sexual recidivism in sexual offenders (Langton et al, 2008)
Summary
Young perpetrators of harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) often minimise the severity of their offending. Shared characteristics are evident as HSB perpetrators are primarily males whom have experienced multiple difficulties within their families, such as poor sexual boundaries and inconsistent parenting (Bladon, Vizard, French, & Tranah, 2005; Vizard, Hickey, French, & McCrory, 2007). Studies within this field often fail to include non-contact HSB cases (e.g. internet related HSB). Whilst denying and minimising HSB can indicate that an individual recognises their behaviour as wrongful, it can act as an internal barrier for desisting reoffending and seeking appropriate support (Hanson & MortonBourgon, 2004; Van Horn et al, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
