offenders in the criminal justice system, yet they are also some of the least
understood. Due to the nature of the crimes that sexual offenders commit and
the media saturation that can be related to these crimes, American culture has
been considerably affected by Megan’s Law, community notification rights for
sex offenders, and beliefs about sex offender incarceration. Media depictions of
the “worst of the worst” sex offenders put all types of sex offenders
under one overarching label. Sex offenders, as a forensic population, actually
are quite heterogeneous and there are substantial differences among the types
of sex offenders. However, because of media representations and
generalizations, it is not apparent in popular discourse how sex offender types
differ. Additionally, because of these differences among types of sex
offenders, treatment approaches and outcomes differ, too. Power rapists, date
rapists, hebephiles, pedophiles, incest offenders, exhibitionists, regressed
pedophiles, and sexually abusive individuals are all very different from one
another and require different treatment approaches.
When it comes to treatment approaches and outcomes, it is
imperative to understand the individual offender as well as the type of sexual
deviance. For example, the power rapist who chooses unknown victims usually
presents with predatory behavior, which may complicate treatment approaches.
Each offender’s offense history and psychology must be evaluated and considered
when selecting a treatment approach and ensuing outcome.
• Review the website Center for Sex Offender Management:
Subtypes and Typologies. Consider similarities and differences among the types
of sex offenders
description of the two types of sex offenders you selected
and explain at least two similarities and two differences between these two
types of sex offenders. Then explain one challenge related to the treatment of
each type of sex offender.
