Aslan, D., Edelmann, Robert, Bray, Diane and Worrell, Marcia (2014) Entering the world of sex offenders: an exploration of offending behaviour patterns of those with both internet and contact sex offences against children. Journal of Forensic Practice, 16 (2). pp. 110-126. ISSN 2050-8794

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Abstract

Purpose
– The relationship between accessing indecent images online and the perpetration of contact child sex offences remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the offence process of offenders who have both such convictions.

Design/methodology/approach
– A total of eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adult males who had downloaded indecent images and also had a history of contact sex offences against children. Data analysis involved thematic coding based on guidelines suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Findings
– Themes which emerged suggest some similarities (offence process behaviours), but also some differences (developmental factors) between the eight offenders. Data relevant to developmental factors formed two primary themes: childhood attachment difficulties and experiences of childhood abuse, both of which appeared to influence the offence process. Escalating factors generated a further three themes: adult relationships, personality problems and substance use. Five main categories also emerged with regard to offence behaviours: sexually deviant interests, lack of self-control, opportunity, the role of the internet (availability, easy access and anonymity), and cognitive distortions (justifications: interest in challenge and sexual frustration; denial: accidental access and denial of a victim, normalisation; blame: blame on the victim, new technologies and authorities and blame on other factors; and minimisation).

Practical implications
– A better understanding of the offence process would inform clinical practice with such offenders and aid in the process of prevention.

Originality/value
– This is the first research to date which explores the rationale provided for their behaviour by those convicted of both internet and contact child sex offences.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.1108/JFP-02-2013-0015
Additional Information:	© Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2014
Keywords:	Child sex offenders, Offence pathways, The role of internet
Subjects:	Psychology
Depositing User:	Rod Pow
Date Deposited:	19 May 2015 10:33
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2024 12:21
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1219

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