Should sex offenders be treated?

Abstract

The question of whether sex offenders should be punished or treated is currently receiving serious attention from health, welfare and correctional authorities. Considerable enthusiasm is being expressed for the apparent advantages of treatment. It has been argued that treatment of offenders is more likely than punishment to reduce further offending and is consequently better for the community and more cost effective. This review looks at some of these issues, especially as they affect young sex offenders.