A qualitative analysis of nonoffending partners’ experiences and perceptions following a psychoeducational group intervention

Abstract

The present research is a qualitative study analysing therapeutic letters written by the nonoffending partners of men who have perpetrated child sexual abuse, after completion of a psychoeducational group intervention. It sought to identify themes relating to their experiences post-intervention. Findings indicated that the intervention contributed to women having increased insight into sexual offending, and feeling more confident and empowered. In addition, they displayed an awareness of risk issues, and an intention to play a role in helping to manage their partner's future risk. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.

A Grounded Theory Model of Relationship Decision-Making in Non-Offending Partners of Individuals Accused of Sexual Offending

“…Second, individuals who have sexually offended commonly minimise parts of their offending ( Schneider & Wright, 2004 ; Ward et al, 1995 ), or categorically deny that they have offended, especially in cases where the victim was a child ( Ware et al, 2020 ). Previous studies with small samples of non-offending partners have shown that they may exhibit similar cognitive distortions ( Cahalane & Duff, 2018 ), particularly when choosing to remain in the relationship ( Duncan et al, 2022 ). We did not want to exclude such potential participants to provide a balanced account of the experiences of non-offending partners, especially as a belief in the accusations or a denial of them may be a factor in the relationship decision-making process.…”

“…Practical consequences most commonly affecting non-offending partners are financial difficulties, employment issues, and residential impact, such as a lack of housing stability ( Brown, 2018 ; Rapp, 2011 ), which may be exacerbated by media exposure ( Duncan et al, 2020 ). Additionally, non-offending partners report significant psychological and emotional impact related to their partner’s offending behavior ( Cahalane & Duff, 2018 ; Rapp, 2011 ). As most non-offending partners are unaware of the offenses, offense discovery can lead to trauma-, shock-, or bereavement-like responses ( Duncan et al, 2022 ; Jones et al, 2021 ).…”

“…There is also an immediate social impact on non-offending partners arising from their partner’s offending behavior and associated courtesy stigma. Non-offending partners report being harassed ( Rapp, 2011 ) or ostracized by their community ( Liddell & Taylor, 2015 ), and feeling like their family is being destroyed in cases where their identity is known ( Cahalane & Duff, 2018 ). Others attempt to hide their stigmatized identity ( Duncan et al, 2020 ) which leads to further isolation and a loss of social support ( Jones et al, 2021 ; Rapp, 2011 ).…”

“…While this evokes the same grief experienced by people who mourn a dead loved one, it is often not interpreted as valid by outsiders ( Bailey, 2018 ). Additionally, non-offending partners report losing trust in their partner due to the offense ( Cahalane & Duff, 2018 ). Often, outside influences can also lead to a disruption in the relationship.…”