Treatment approaches to trauma for those convicted of sexual crime: Interventions globally

Abstract

This chapter explores therapeutic approaches to working with trauma in people who have been convicted for sexual offences. The chapter examines accounts of interventions using neuropsychological, psychodynamic, attachment focussed, cognitive behavioural/schema focussed and cognitive analytic therapies. Feminism informed and restorative justice-based interventions with this population are also discussed. The chapter identifies common themes, such as the critical role of attachment with therapists in bringing about change and the importance of trauma-informed milieu. The question of whether exposure work is necessary and if so, what kinds of exposure work are useful is explored. The chapter also looks at the ways in which this kind of work can be inadvertently iatrogenic. Finally, a summary of the key factors for this work is offered.