Suchergebnisse

This paper describes an evaluation of different uses of roleplay to enhance victim-specific empathy in sexual offenders. Thirty-three men participated in a treatment program involving offence re-enactment as described by Pithers (1994) and Mann, Daniels, and Marshall (2002). A matched group of 33 men participated in a treatment program that was identical in all respects except that they did not complete offence re-enactments. Instead, they completed extra roleplays designed to enhance empathy for the short and long-term consequences for their victim(s). Results indicated that completing an offence re-enactment led to slightly better ability to identify some types of negative consequences for abuse victims, and identify cognitive distortions about their offending and women per se. Rapists in particular seemed more likely to benefit from offence re-enactment. The non-re-enactment group showed better understanding of lifestyle disruption effects for sexual abuse victims. The differences between the groups were not very marked, and the study only involved measures of cognitive empathy. Given the concerns about offence re-enactment expressed by Pithers (1997), this procedure should be used with caution and future investigations should test specifically for possible signs of damage caused by the procedure.

[A continuing offence is one which takes more than one act to prove the charge. Probably the best known is consorting but there are others. New legislation has introduced some serious continuing offences. Stalking and maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person are two of them. Others are hybrids: those which can be proved by one act or many. The best examples are drug trafficking or supplying. I examine them all. They are exceptions to the basic legal principle of one criminal act for each charge. I finish with a possible jury direction.]

This week we ask: Is there value in taking offence? Indeed, should we cultivate a readiness to take offence in ourselves and others?

This week we are looking at taking offence. What is it? Can it be a good thing? And can it also go too far?