“Fearless”: An Example of a Sex Offender Peer-to-peer Support Group

• In Event: Advances in Sexual Offense Policy Research: Qualitative Examinations of Sex Offender Populations

Abstract

We live in a society that offers fellowship or support groups for almost any life condition, yet there are few social support groups for convicted sex offenders in the community after their sentences are served. This paper highlights the creation and maintenance of a social support group for registered sex offenders and their family members. It differs from the more formally organized circles of support model and from traditional self-help groups such as Alcohol (AA) or Narcotic (NA) Anonymous. We review this group’s creation, processes and procedures, difficulties, outcomes, and how challenges have been overcome.

Authors

• Lisa Sample, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Tusty ten Bensel, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Brooke Cooley, University of Nebraska at Omaha