“Hurt people hurt other people”: The link between past trauma and sexual offending

Abstract

Background A growing body of research documents the high rates of trauma among individuals who have sexually offended. Yet the relationship between prior victimization and subsequent sexual offending remained unclear. Objective: By including the voices and perspectives of individuals convicted of sexual offenses, we sought to strengthen professionals’ understanding of the connection between victimization and offending. Method This qualitative study used an online survey to collect data from individuals convicted of sexual offenses (n = 195) with the aims of understanding their perceptions of the link between trauma and offending and what they would like sex-offense treatment providers to know about this connection. Results Using grounded theory, five major themes emerged from the data analysis: Relationship between Trauma Offending (n = 91), Acknowledging the Connection (n = 57), Specific Effects of Trauma (n = 48), Individualized Treatment (n = 34), and Recognition of Humanity (n = 26). Conclusions The participants perceived a strong connection between one’s own victimization and subsequent sexual offending. In addition, they offered specific recommendations for treatment providers, including individualizing treatment with an emphasis on humanity and compassion. Implications for trauma-informed practice and policy are discussed.

Learning From Consumers of Mandated Sex-Offending Programs: “It’s Not Treatment, I Wish It Was.”

“…Trauma should therefore be viewed as a salient aspect of treatment rather than viewed as an excuse for offending and avoided (Grady, Levenson, Glover, & Kavanagh, 2022). Clients report that psycho-education about dysregulation and hyperarousal helps them understand how past traumas might influence subsequent offense behavior and dynamic risk factors (Grady et al, 2022; Scott & Jenney, 2022). It is also clear (though often ignored) that involvement in the criminal legal system creates real and ongoing traumatic stress, which can contribute to maladaptive coping and dynamic risk (Glantz et al, 2017; Harris & Levenson, 2021; LeBel & Richie, 2018; Pettus-Davis et al, 2019; Western et al, 2015).…”

The Ripple Effects of Post-Conviction Traumatic Stress in People Required to Register as Sex Offenders and their Families

“…Just asking people about their perceptions of trauma seems to be helpful. We need to be willing to hear and believe what people convicted of sex offenses tell us about their experiences if we want to advance treatment effectiveness, risk reduction, and sexual harm prevention (Grady et al, 2022b; Waldram, 2007). Evaluations of CJS services in the USA usually focus on outcomes rather than personal experiences in the system itself (McCartan et al, 2021).…”

Exploring Risk for Sexual Recidivism and Treatment Responsivity Through the Lens of Early Trauma

“…As previously highlighted, an accumulation of ACEs might better predict negative outcomes than experience of an individual ACE in an otherwise safe and supportive early environment. Alternatively, some programs may be more or less responsive to clients talking about their own early experiences of trauma or abuse in treatment (Grady & Levenson, 2021).…”