Evaluation of treatment of sexual offenders in prisons: A comprehensive multicenter study on outcomes, institutional climate and aftercare

• In Event: Evaluation research on correctional treatment for people convicted of sex offences

Abstract

The treatment of sexual offenders is a controversial topic. Although meta-analyses of well-controlled studies revealed desirable mean effects, the outcomes of prison-based treatment on sexual reoffending are often small and sometimes even negative. Against this background, we carried out an evaluation of sexual offender treatment in seven social-therapeutic prisons. We investigated a cohort of 1,245 individuals who were in prison for a sexual offence. Using Propensity Score Matching we compared individuals who received long-term therapy with a control group from regular prisons. The mean follow-up period was 9 years. There was a tendency of less frequent sexual recidivism in the treatment group, but due to the low base rate this was not significant. There were some significant effects and desirable tendencies in other outcome criteria (including harm and time of reoffending). The comparison of institutions revealed differences that were due to the risk level of the inmates and the organizational climate. Therapeutic aftercare in the community showed no booster effect for already treated individuals, but a positive effect for individuals who were not treated in custody. The results suggest the need for detailed, multicenter and replicated analyses of the effects of sexual offender treatment in prisons and in the community.

Authors

• Friedrich Lösel, Cambridge University & University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Eva Link, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Lena Carl, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg