The Berkeley group: ten years' experience of a group for non-violent sex offenders

Article Abstract:

Five percent of the prison population in Britain are sex offenders. Violence is reported in less than half the offenses and the presence of violence is one of the factors that weighs heavily in determining sentence. Often nonviolent offenders are given probation. One treatment alternative was a therapy group that was developed for nonviolent sex offenders who were given probation. The group met once every two weeks for an hour and a half. Over the first 10 years of its existence, the group has been successful. The group is led by two therapists and facilitates discussion of problems. It is also its purpose to help reduce feelings of isolation and abnormality that result from the offence. Members can be confronted with the effects of their behavior, and they can learn to manage their sexual feelings. Of the 63 men attending the group during its first 10 years, 55 men are no longer in the group. Thirty-three completed treatment (completers), 11 left after a substantial time but against the advice of the leaders (default group), and 11 men attended only once or twice (non-engagers). Members of the default group had the highest number of offenses. Interesting, non-engagers had the fewest and the least serious offenses. Those with the worst records (those who left prematurely) were the most likely to commit another offense. Those in the completion group were least likely to re-offend but those results cannot be attributed only to treatment effects because the groups differed at the start. It seems that the best predictor of outcome was previous record and not length of treatment, but better controlled studies may provide clearer information in the future. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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An incest survivors' therapy group

Article Abstract:

A therapy group for female incest survivors at Odyssey House, a therapeutic community for substance abusers, is presented. The group seeks to identify and help the survivor deal with isolation and denial, clarifyrelations with children, family members and others as well as facilitate dealing with incest-related guilt and shame. Women participants have a significntly better graduation and retention rate than other women in the drug abuse programs.

Services, Incest

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Use of remodelling in the treatment of sex offenders

Article Abstract:

Recent research has indicated that remodelling can be an effective approach in the treatment of sex offenders. It was discovered that adult male sex offenders undergo a remodelling process, during which they start to face up to what they have done and accept treatment. As they embark on making changes to their lives, they start to regard remodelling as a process which will last for the rest of their life.

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