Experiences of young people with harmful sexual behaviours in a residential treatment programme: a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of young men who have previously participated in a residential treatment programme based in North Wales for harmful sexual behaviours. In-depth interviews with 25 young men aged between 15 and 33 were conducted and thematically analysed. Findings highlight some key strengths of the treatment programme including building quality relationships with staff and the community and the learning of life skills that are also later employed to manage risk of sexual and non-sexual offending. The study supports recent research [Balfe, M., Hackett, D., Masson, H., & Phillips, J. (2019). Experiences of young people with harmful sexual behaviours in services: A qualitative study. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 28(6), 649–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2019.1573390] that more social and psychological supports need to be available for young people post-treatment while in a period of transition and liminality. Finally, the study further supports other research [de Vries Robbe, M., Mann, R. E., Maruna, S., & Thornton, D. (2015). An exploration of protective factors supporting desistance from sexual offending. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 27(1), 16–33. https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063214547582] in that emphasis should be placed on social, interpersonal, and environmental protective factors rather than psychological ones alone.