Analyzing the LSI-R and Psychopathy in Female Sex Offenders

• In Event: Female Sex Offenders: Characteristics, Typologies, and Pathways

Abstract

Increases in sexual offending have been portrayed by the media over the last several decades, which in turn, has increased the amount of research on sex offenders. However, most of this research has focused on male sexual offenders without consideration of potential differences in their female counterparts. This is especially true as it relates to risk assessment and examining the characteristics related to offending. Risk assessment instruments validated for male sexual offenders have yet to be validated with their female counterparts. In Texas, all sexual offenders are required to undergo treatment while in prison; upon release, they are required to complete the Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA), which consists of the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), along with the Static-99. This study examines the DRA and the presence of psychopathy in approximately 200 female sexual offenders who have completed the DRA to determine the presence of these characteristics in this group of offenders.

Authors

• Leah McCoy, Sam Houston State University

• Holly Miller, Sam Houston State University