Bibliographies
Australian materials are indexed in the Australian Family and Society Abstracts Database and are available for loan from the ACSSA collection at the Australian Institute of Family Studies library. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Offenders: Characteristics
Australian publications
Are men and women equally violent? Understanding
claim making. (PDF 200K)
Fisher, Stephen.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Newsletter no.21 April 2005: 5-3, figure, and Online (whole issue)
A forum that addresses men as victims of domestic violence was conducted in South West Sydney in December 2004. The author
was a panellist at this forum and presents his thoughts in this article. Further research that embraces a pro-feminist male positive stance is
recommended.
Child sexual abuse.
Healey, Justin ed..
Thirroul, NSW: Spinney Press, 2005, 44p, tables, illus. (Issues in society no.215)
Current information about child sexual abuse from diverse sources including newspapers, magazines, websites, government
reports and other organisations is collected in this publication. It is divided into two main sections: Victims of child
sexual abuse and Child sex offenders. The following subtopics are covered: incidence and impact; myths; facts about
sexual assault; sibling sexual abuse; rise in sex abuse between children; the link between pornography and young sex offenders;
indicators of child sexual abuse; effects; reporting child sexual abuse; children and counselling; information for survivors;
offender characteristics and modus operandi; paedophile database; the right to silence of the accused and abuse of children under
five years; protecting your child; children stalked on the internet; child abusers abroad; child sexual abuse within
the church; and why offenders abuse children.
Criminal profiling: a collaborative effort between sexual
assault counsellors and offenders profilers.
Clarke, J; Kendall, S
In: Practice and prevention: contemporary issues in adult sexual assault conference. Sydney, NSW: NSW Attorney-General's
Department, Crime Prevention Division, 2003, Online only
Sexual assault offender profiling is primarily concerned with an understanding of the behavioural interaction between offender
and victim. The authors suggest that sexual assault counsellors potentially possess the most behavioural information related to
the offence. They argue that collaboration between offender profilers and sexual assault counsellors has significant potential
to allow more detailed profiles to be compiled, and more accurate linkage analyses and geographic profiles to be formulated. They
discuss the ethical implications concerning this sharing of information as well as the benefits it would bring.
Domestic violence incidence peaks:
seasonal factors, calendar events and sporting matches. (PDF 908K)
Braaf, Rochelle; Gilbert, Robyn.
Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 20p, tables (Stakeholder paper no.2), and Online
Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest a rise in domestic violence at certain times of year or with certain public
events. This paper presents findings from a study on the possible relationship between seasonal changes and weather,
public holidays, and football events and reported domestic violence incidents. After discussing international
studies, the authors examine Australian state statistics on domestic violence, assault, sexual assault, homicide,
domestic violence orders, and alcohol related assaults, for 2003 to 2005. Incidents are compared with public holidays
including Christmas and New Years Day, days of the week, football finals, and the rising temperature of summer. The evidence
suggest some correlation, which has implications for policing and prevention strategies. The authors stress that these
factors do not cause people to become violent, but are instead associated with increased alcohol consumption, interpersonal
and child contact, and opportunities for violence.
Females who sexually abuse in organisations working with children: characteristics, international and Australian prevalence
rates: implications for child protection.
Hunt, Lise
South Melbourne, Vic: Child Wise (ECPAT in Australia), 2006, 50p
Current research on sexual offences committed against children by women who work with children is examined in this
report. The report discusses: the characteristics of female perpetrators of child sexual abuse; similarities with male
perpetrators of child sexual abuse; current community attitudes and beliefs towards female perpetrators of child
sexual abuse; changing attitudes towards child care; cultural considerations; why sexual abuse by women is difficult to
identify; the underreported and incestuous nature of female sex offending; the use of violence; gender of the
victims; international studies of prevalence rates; victim offender relationships; sexual abuse perpetrated in an
organisational context; sexual abuse by people of authority; and the findings of Australian studies on female perpetrated
sexual offences against children.
One size does not fit all: future directions for the treatment of sexually abusive youth in New Zealand.
Lambie, Ian; Seymour, Fred.
Journal of Sexual Aggression v.12 no.2 Jul 2006: 175-187
The literature shows that sexually abusive youth are a heterogeneous population. This article looks at characteristics
of sexually abusive youth and calls for the development of typologies of adolescent sexual offenders, which can be used
to guide individualised treatment plans. It describes how treatment issues are currently being addressed in New Zealand.
Pilot study on sexual assault and related
offences in the ACT: stage 3.
Borzycki, Maria.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2007 (Research and public policy no.79), 54p, Online
It can be very difficult for agencies that share clients but do not share information management systems to
track information about clients. This research investigated how readily justice data relating to sexual assault
and related incidents in the Australian Capital Territory could be tracked from first report of an offence to police,
through the courts, and to corrections agencies. It demonstrates the difficulties of the process and ways these difficulties
might be managed if data sharing is introduced. The report summarises the tracked data to provide an overview of sexual assaults
in the ACT in 2004-05.
Prediction of the risk of male sexual reoffending in Australia.
Allan, Alfred; Dawson, Deborah; Allan, Maria M.
Australian Psychologist v.41 no.1 Mar 2006: 60-68, tables
This paper reports the findings of a retrospective study designed primarily to investigate the predictive
accuracy of the Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual Offence Recidivism, the Static 99, and two models developed
in Western Australia: the Violent Offender Treatment Program Risk Assessment Scale (VOTPRAS) and the
3 Predictor model. The study involved a WA sample of violent and non violent sexual offenders. A
secondary aim was to establish whether the instruments are equally valid for Indigenous and non Indigenous,
and violent and non violent sexual offenders. The data of 538 convicted sexual offenders who were
assessed by the Sex Offender Treatment Program of the WA Department of Justice during 1987 - 2002
were used. The predictor variables were the total scores obtained for each instrument and the outcome
variable a conviction in a court for a further sexual offence and, in the case of the VOTPRAS,
also a further violent offence. (Journal abstract, edited).
Queensland
Police Stings in Online Chat Rooms.
Krone, Tony
Australian Institute of Criminology
Trends and issues in crime and justice, No. 301, 2005
This paper reports the experience of Queensland police in the investigation of predatory behaviour by men seeking sex with
children through online chat rooms. It reports on the 25 investigations into online grooming completed by the Queensland
Police in the period June 2003 and September 2004 under the code name Task Force Argos, and includes a discussion of three
successful prosecutions.
Recidivism of sexual assault offenders:
rates, risk factors and treatment efficacy. (PDF 430K)
Lievore, Denise
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2003, 124p, tables, figures, Online only
This report looks at the international literature on recidivism rates and risk factors that predict reoffending by
offenders of adult sexual assault. The review revealed differing rates of measured recidivism, from two per cent up
to 35 per cent. Victorian police data on persons apprehended for sexual assault of adults in 2001 were also analysed to
identify recidivism rates. The author then gives an overview of sex offender treatment programs run through Australian
corrective services, and summarises the literature on the efficacy of sex offender treatment programs.
Recidivism of sexual offenders: fact sheet.
(PDF 160K)
Australian Institute of Criminology (2004), Crime Facts Info No. 72
Recidivism
of sex offenders research paper. (PDF 705K)
Gelb, Karen.
Melbourne, Vic: Sentencing Advisory Council, 2007, 52p, tables, figures, and Online
The research paper focuses on recidivism of sex offenders and is designed to provide background information to
a further discussion paper examining current legal responses in Victoria and other jurisdictions to high-risk
offenders. The research paper examines the most recent evidence about whether sex offenders do indeed pose
the danger to the community that they are often perceived as posing, discussing the tension between community
protection and legal principles. Although they are the least common form of sexual assault, sexual offences
committed by strangers have been the priority for policy-makers over the years, despite the fact that most sexual offences
are committed by ordinary men in the context of everyday relationships. Statistics are provided on the incidence
and prevalence of sexual offences in Victoria, and on the nature and costs of sexual offending. The literature
is reviewed to determine what is known about sex offenders and their crimes and to clarify the evidence on levels
of recidivism among sex offenders. A brief overview of treatment programs and their efficacy is provided,
with a final discussion of the implications of the research evidence for current policy and prevention
programs.
Recidivism in Australia:
findings and future research.
Payne, Jason.
Canbarra : Australian Institute of Criminology, 2007
This report summarises studies published in the Australian literature that have focused on recidivism
over the past ten years. Despite recidivism being a key aspect in understanding offenders and their
offending behaviour, there have been relatively few studies. In addition, it brings together
for the first time the different methods used by Australian researchers to measure recidivism,
and highlights their strengths and weaknesses. The report deals with important questions relating
to recidivism research. It provides a conceptual framework through which recidivism can be defined
and interpreted and arms both researchers and policy makers with a battery of tools useful
in critical assessment of the research literature.
Results of the Personal Safety Survey 2005.
Morrison, Zoe.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter no.13 Dec 2006: 9-14, tables
The 2005 Personal Safety Survey provides information on the nature and extent of physical and sexual violence in
Australia, experiences of abuse and harassment, and feelings of safety within the home and community. This article
discusses the survey's findings on sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. It looks at overall rates of
sexual assault and other forms sexual violence, including sexual violence within partner violence, changes in the
incidence of sexual assault since 1996, characteristics of sexual assault victims, including age and location of incident,
who perpetrates sexual assaults, what proportion of assaults have been reported to police, changes in reporting rates to
police over the last ten years, and sexual abuse that occurred prior to age 15.
Risk
of re-offending among parolees. (PDF 548K)
Craig Jones, Jiuzhao Hua, Neil Donnelly, Judy McHutchison, Kyleigh Heggie
Sydney, NSW: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and Corporate Research, Evaluation and Statistics,
NSW Department of Corrective Services; Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice, No.91, January 2006, 12p.
This study explored patterns of re-offending among New South Wales (NSW) offenders released to parole supervision
in the 2001-2002 financial year (n=2793). The study found that by September 2004 approximately two-thirds of the cohort
had reappeared in court, 64 percent had been convicted for a new offence and 41 per cent of the cohort had received a
further custodial sentence for re-offending. Survival analyses revealed that the following groups re-offended
more quickly: offenders who had a greater number of prior custodial sentences, offenders who had one or more prior
drug convictions (i.e. for use or possession of heroin, cocaine or amphetamine), younger offenders, Indigenous
offenders, those who had been released with a parole order issued by a court (as opposed to the NSW Parole Authority),
offenders who had spent less time in custody during their index custody episode and those who had been serving sentences
for violence, property crimes or for breaching justice orders.
School
violence and its antecedents: interviews with high school students.
Grunseit, Anne C; Weatherburn, Don and Donnelly, Neil
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, R56, March 2005: 1-94, tables.
Two key findings emerged from this study on the risk factors associated with school violence. They are 1) Students
who were subject to punitive discipline at home were more likely to have attacked someone at school than those who
were not subject to punitive dicipline at home and 2) violence on the school grounds is more likely to
occur where more than twenty five percent of the teachers have less than five years teaching experience.
The largest of it's kind undertaken in Australia, this study interviewed a population of 2,616 year 8 and year 9
students attending NSW secondary schools. A further 41 in-depth interviews were held with students who had been
disciplined for assault on school grounds.
Sex offenders with an intellectual disability.
Lambrick, Frank; Glaser, William.
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment v.16 no.4 Oct 2004: 381-392
In recent years, the myth that sex offenders with an intellectual disability are untreatable has been challenged.
Though sex offenders with intellectual disabilities may be initially hard to engage in the assessment and treatment
process, the use of simplified approaches that support the day-to-day reinforcement of treatment concepts is proving
to be effective with this population. These treatment interventions it is suggested, may also be effectively used with
'mainstream' offenders. Prevalence, characteristics, and assessment of sex offenders with an intellectual disability
are also discussed.
Sexual violence offenders: prevention and intervention
approaches.
Chung, Donna; O'Leary, Patrick J; Hand, Tammy.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies,
2006, 54p (ACSSA issues no.5), and Online
Male sexual violence against women and children continues
to be a significant social problem in Australia, with increasing attention being given to prevention and treatment
of sexual offending. This paper on sex offender treatment programs critically examines how theoretical explanations
of sexual violence have shaped intervention and community responses, by examining the influence of the predominant
perspectives that focus on the psychopathology of sex offenders. Prevalence and definitions of sexual violence are
examined critically to show that sexual violence is a relatively common experience for many Australian women. The paper
also provides a critical analysis of the different treatment paradigms used in Australia. The authors assert that, in general,
the responses to sexual violence are not comprehensive and intersectoral, nor do they prioritise accountability to victims. This
can be attributed to the distinct theoretical influences in treating sexual offenders, sexual violence prevention and support
for victims. The authors conclude by examining the ways in which both treatment and prevention strategies can better address
the widespread occurrence of sexual violence in Australia.
The content of sexual fantasies for sexual offenders.
Gee, Dion G; Devilly, Grant J; Ward, Tony
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment v.16 no.4 Oct 2004: 315-331
A qualitative analysis was used to develop a descriptive model of the phenomena of sexual fantasy during the
offence process. Twenty-four adult males convicted of sexual offences provided detailed retrospective descriptions
of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours before, during, and after their offences. Using Grounded Theory,
a model was developed to elucidate the content and themes of sexual fantasy for sexual offenders, as well as the
way fantasy content was used in the process of sexual offending. The model was named The Sexual Fantasy Content
Model (SFCM). Its strengths are discussed and its clinical implications are reviewed.
Thoughts on recidivism and rehabilitation of rapists.
Lievore, Denise.
University of New South Wales Law Journal Forum v.11 no.1 Aug 2005: 29-32
It is difficult to ascertain the prevalence of sex offending in the community and even less is know about recidivism
rates. It cannot be assumed that most sex offenders released who are not reconvicted are undetected repeat offenders.
Evidence suggests that most sex offenders are not at risk of sexual recidivism, though identification of those that are
is necessary and risk assessment of sex offenders should be a core practice within correctional systems.
Using
it or losing it: men's constructions of their violence towards female partners.(PDF 158K)
James, K; Seddon, B; Brown, J.
Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, University of New South Wales, 2002, 20p, and Online
This study aimed to explore men's experience of their violence towards women in the context of their own lives. The research
team used qualitative methodology to explore in depth the ways in which men who use violence in their intimate relationships,
understand the experience of violence, with the goal of assisting practitioners to develop and refine their interventions.
The paper first addresses the context in which the research was conducted, including the limitations of current interventions
into men's domestic violence, and the need to tailor services more specifically to engage men in a change project. It then presents
and discusses the research outcomes.
Young people who sexually abuse: key issues.
Boyd, Cameron; Bromfield, Leah.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2006, 8p (ACSSA
wrap no.3), and Online
Current research and practice on understanding and responding to young people who have committed acts of sexual abuse
is summarised. The paper describes normal sexual behaviour for adolescents and discusses how common sexual abuse by young people is,
who young people offend against, at what age young people sexually abuse, demographics and characteristics of young people who
sexually abuse, whether young offenders are victims of sexual abuse, whether young offenders continue abusing as adults, reactions of
family, sibling sexual abuse, supervision and monitoring of offenders and victims, where young offenders live after disclosure
and assessment, treatment for victims and offenders, and the roles of police, child protection authorities and schools.
International publications
A prospective analysis of sexual assault perpetration : risk factors related to perpetrator characteristics.
Loh, Catherine., …[et al]
Journal of Interpersonal Violence ; Vol. 20, no. 10, Oct, 2005, pp. 1325-2348.
Risk factors for sexual assault perpetration are evaluated in this study. Different predictors of sexually agressive behaviour
were identified using retrospective and prospective analyses. The potential impact of these findings on the development of
sexual assault prevention programes for men are discussed.
Behavioural characteristics of rapists.
McCabe, M.P. and Wauchope, M.
Journal of Sexual Aggression, 11(3), 2005, pp. 235-247
Two studies that examined the behavioural characteristics of rapists were investigated in order to better understand
the behavioural patterns that accompany rape. Data from Victoria Police rape files were examined. The article looks at:
type of assault, including five themes, vaginal, kissing or fondling, oral, anal, and brutal or physical; patterns of themes;
victim offender relationship; victim activity; and communication with victim.
Criminal history and assault of dating partners : the role of type of prior crime, age of onset and gender.
Straus, Murray A. and Ramirez, I. Luis.
Violence and Victims; Vol. 19, no. 4, 2004, pp. 413-434.
This study examined the association between prior criminal history, gender and dating violence. Risk factors associated
with dating violence include prior violent crime, early onset of criminal behavior and female offenders.
Exploring the family characteristics of adolescent sexual offenders.
Eastman, Brenda J. and Bunch, Sheila G.
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin; Vol. 20, no. 1, 2004, pp. 11-16.
The perceptions of family environment held by adolescent sexual offenders and nonviolent adolescent offenders were compared.
Adolescent sexual offenders perceived their families as high conflict, low cohesion and lacking in support.
Managing sex offender risk.
Kemshall, Hazel; McIvor, Gill
London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1st ed, 2004, 256p
The authors draw on research into assessment, treatment and recidivism of sex offenders and give practical
guidence on improving intervention techniques with sex offenders. An overview of the typologies and characterisitcs
of offenders is provided and suggestions for strategies for managing different kinds of offender including
children and young people who are sexually aggressive. The authors also show how police, prisons and social
work departments can share information and collaborate effectively.
Murder and serious sexual assault: What criminal
histories can reveal about future serious offending.(PDF 212K)
Keith Soothill, Brian Francis, Elizabeth Ackerley and Rachel Fligelstone (2002), Home Office, Police
Research Series Paper 144
Polygraph examination of British sexual offenders: a pilot study on sexual history disclosure testing.
Wilcox. Daniel T. and Sosnowski, Daniel E.
Journal of Sexual Aggression; Vol. 11, Iss. 1 Jan. 2005, pp. 3-25.
This paper presents a pilot polygraph study on sexual history disclosure in Britain. The polygraph data showed
a substantial increase in the number of admitted victims and offences when compared with data from all other
sources. An earlier age for the onset of offending behaviour and a wider range of paraphilic interests
were also recorded. These findings suggest that collaboration amongst treatment, supervision and polygraph professionals
could help to contain sexual offending behaviour.
Risk assessment with adolescent sex offenders.
Christodoulides, T. E. ,…[et al].
Journal of Sexual Aggression; Vol. 11, Iss. 1 Jan. 2005, pp. 37-48.
The paper describes an evaluation of a risk assessment tool's effectiveness in distinguishing between adolescent sexual
offender recidivists and non-recidivists. Although the tool was unable to distinguish recidivists from non-recidivists,
it has potential in identificating contextual and clinical risk factors, informing professionals' decision-making and
developing and implementing a comprehensive risk management plan.
Sexual coercion: young men's experiences as
victims and perpetrators. (PDF 164K)
Deepika Ganju, William Finger, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Vijaya Nidadavoluand, K.G. Santhya, Iqbal Shah, Shyam Thapa
and Ina Warriner (2004)
Sexual recidivism : a review of satic, dymanic and actuarial predictors.
Craig, Leam A. ,…[et al].
Journal of Sexual Aggression; Vol. 11, Iss. 1 Jan. 2005, pp. 65-84.
This literature review summarises the static and dynamic risk factors that are associated with sexual offence recidivism.
Actuarial measures provide increased levels of predictive accuracy, but have been criticized as being unrepresentative,
lacking specificity, and being heavily reliant on static risk factors. These measures need to take into account dynamic
risk factors, psychological emotional states and treatment effects to provide a more complete measure of recidivist prediction.
Spatial patterns of sex offenders : theoretical, empirical, and practical issues.
Beauregard, Eric., Proulx, Jean. and Rossmo, D. Kim.
Aggression & Violent Behaviour; Vol. 10, no. 5, July-Aug, 2005, pp. 579-603.
This article reviews the current theoretical, empirical and practical issues related to the spatial behaviour of sex
offenders. It begins by reviewing various theoretical models related to geographic profiling, and presents empirical
studies which investigate the links between offender characteristics, other variables and the distance travelled by sex offenders.
Sex offending : causal theories to inform research, prevention, and treatment.
Jill D. Stinson, Bruce D. Sales, Judith V. Becker.
Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, c2008.
Stalking in adolescence : a case report.
Vaidya, Girish., Chalhoub, Nevyne. & Newing, Jo.
Child & Adolescent Mental Health; Vol. 10, no. 1 Feb. 2005, pp. 23-25.
Stalking is usually identified as an adult male phenomenon. This article, however, presents the case study of a
15-year-old female stalker. Although stalking behaviour may or may not be associated with mental illness, the
girl was referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Management of the case was complicated
because female adolescent stalkers are rare and there is a paucity of research on this subject.
Tackling men's violence in families : Nordic issues and dilemmas.
Eriksson, Maria …[et al].
Bristol, UK : Policy Press, 2005.
Drawing on new research from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, the book critically examines how men's
violence in families is perceived and responded to in the Nordic context. It pays particular attention
to the links between violence to women and violence to children, children's perspectives, professional
discourses and responses, and legal and policy approaches.
The causes of rape : understanding individual differences in male propensity for sexual aggression.
Lalumiere, Martin L., …[et al].
Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, c2005.
"[This book] examines why some men are prone to rape, offers probable causes for this inclination, and provides
a comprehensive review of scientific studies of coercive sex ... The authors [provide] a fact-based exploration
of this phenomenon, beginning with a review of coercive sex among animal species and an account of rape throughout
history and across culture, moving through a discussion of current research on rape, and culminating with a
synthesis of research findings that points toward a new explanation of why some men rape. The authors also
discuss the practical implications of their research on the assessment and treatment of men who rape."--Book
jacket.
The emotional intelligence of adult sex offenders: ability based EI assessment.
Puglia, M.L., Stough, C.,Carter, J.D. and Joseph, M.
Journal of Sexual Aggression, 11(3), 2005, pp. 249-258
The emotional intelligence of sex offenders was assessed using an abilities-based
emotional intelligence test, the Perception, Assimilation and Management branch sub-tests
from the Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. The article discusses the results, which
showed that participants did not display a deficit in emotional intelligence when compared to control groups.
The macho paradox : why some men hurt women and and how all men can help
Jackson Katz.
Naperville, Ill. : Sourcebooks, Inc., c2006.
"[This book makes] the case that violence against women is a men's issue. Jackson Katz, one of the
nation's foremost authorities on this subject, takes the reader deep inside male culture to examine why
so many men physically and sexually abuse women and children, including those closest to them ...
Written for both women and men, [this book] provides women with original and creative ways of thinking
about how to reverse this ongoing national tragedy. It also makes a powerful case to men that the only
way to end the abuse and mistreatment of women is for many more self-identified 'good guys' to make
these issues their own."--Book website.