Understanding High-Risk Sexual Offenders: A Comparative Analysis of Risk Profiles and Treatment Needs

• In Event: Sex offenders

Abstract

This study examines high-risk sexual offenders serving prison sentences in Spain, comparing them with medium- and low-risk offenders. Using a sample of 237 convicted individuals, offenders were classified based on recidivism risk using the Static-99 tool: low risk (0–1), moderate risk (2–3), and high risk (≥4). The majority fell into the moderate-risk category (39.8%), followed by low-risk (38.9%) and high-risk offenders (21.3%).

Data collection combined self-reported measures (e.g., attitudes toward prostitution, substance use, psychopathology, cognitive distortions) and penitentiary records (e.g., criminal history, institutional behavior, program participation). Findings reveal a distinct profile for high-risk offenders: they are predominantly Spanish, have fewer family ties, and limited work experience. These individuals enter prison at younger ages, accumulate more prior incarcerations, receive more disciplinary sanctions, and face longer sentences with delayed reintegration opportunities.

Psychological assessment indicates higher psychopathy scores and greater prevalence of paraphilic disorders among high-risk offenders, alongside lower social desirability. They are more likely to be serial offenders targeting multiple adult female victims, often strangers, and to engage in online offenses. By contrast, lower-risk offenders tend to victimize known minors over extended periods.

Key risk factors include persistent deviant sexual fantasies, reinforced by frequent pornography use. Psychopathy complicates intervention success, as these offenders struggle with group therapy integration. Despite high treatment participation, true engagement remains limited, with professionals reporting a mismatch between available programs and offenders’ needs.

To enhance rehabilitation outcomes, this study recommends risk-adapted interventions, including extended, intensive programs for high-risk offenders, motivation-enhancing pre-treatment workshops, updated content addressing technology-facilitated offenses, and post-release support services aimed at reducing recidivism.

Authors

• Meritxell Pérez Ramírez, Universidad Pontificia Comillas

• Carla Martínez Ventura, Foundation for Applied Research in Crime and Security