Sexual crimes

We begin by setting out the rationale for targeting offenders, victims, and settings. For this purpose we draw primarily on Eck’s (2003) crime triangle, which proposes a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a conducive location, as the three basic prerequisites for any crime to occur. We then summarise research findings concerning sexual offenders, their victims, and the settings in which various kinds of sexual offences occur. Next we outline our rationale for focusing on three prevention levels, drawing on the public health model that distinguishes primary (or universal), secondary (or selected), and tertiary (or indicated) prevention. In the remainder of the chapter we work through each of the nine cells in the matrix, presenting examples of evidence informed prevention strategies for each target × level configuration.Arts, Education & Law Group, School of Criminology and Criminal JusticeNo Full Tex

(Re)Conceptualizing the role of guardianship in preventing child sexual abuse in the home

In criminology, the role of guardianship in preventing crime has received significant international attention because of its focus on the function and importance of regular, informal citizens in controlling and preventing crime across contexts. Initially applied to property crimes, interest in its utility for understanding and preventing crime of an interpersonal nature (including child sexual abuse [CSA]) has increased in recent years. However, the personal nature of CSA highlights layers of complexity that require a more elaborate analysis of the mechanisms that underpin guardianship, especially in the home environment where most CSA occurs. The purpose of this discussion paper is to advance current understanding by applying Felson (1995) and Reynald’s (2010) conceptualizations of guardianship to the prevention of CSA in the home. Drawing on current literature, we apply a critical lens to examine factors that serve to promote or impede informal guardianship, and likelihood to intervene, within the home. From this analysis, we: (1) conclude that some (re)conceptualization of the dimensions of guardianship is required for understanding and preventing CSA in the home; (2) recommend proactive (parent and bystander education programs; place-based) and reactive (psychoeducation for parents whose children have been abused) prevention strategies; and (3) advocate for further theoretical and empirical investigation on this important issue.No Full Tex

Testing realist hypotheses: The value of diverse evidence, including unobtrusive measures

This chapter delves into the nature and significance of evidence within the context of hypothesis testing, advocating for the use of multiple data types for triangulation. The selection of specific data sources and indicators is emphasised, tailored to the nuanced requirements of investigating realist hypotheses. Initially, parallels are drawn between evidentiary practices in courts and scientific endeavours, setting the stage for a discussion of the realist framework. Subsequently, through examples drawn from crime-related evaluations, the drawbacks and advantages of various data sources - such as recorded crime data, victimisation surveys, observational data and interviews - are explored. Notably, the potential benefits of employing unobtrusive measures, including refuse data, are highlighted. Using a project evaluating police patrols as a case study, the integration of refuse data alongside other sources is illustrated, demonstrating its utility in addressing hypotheses. While acknowledging limitations, such as those inherent in physical evidence like refuse data, it is underscored as a valuable supplementary source for confirming, refuting or refining realist hypotheses.No Full Tex

The evolution of youth justice conferencing in Queensland, 1990–2021

This paper provides a summary history and critique of the development and implementation of restorative justice in the Queensland youth justice system through an analysis of official data and documentary sources. The paper focuses on policy changes, including government responses to program reviews, issues regarding the availability of conferencing, connections between conferencing and prevention and program transparency and accountability. The study provides several important lessons applicable across jurisdictions. The main finding was that conferencing in Queensland remains substantially underutilised. This was associated in large part with the discretionary gatekeeping role of police, the absence of a systematic and comprehensive consultation process with victims and accused persons and governments ignoring the science of restorative justice. In terms of prevention, the study identifies the need for a more integrated approach involving conferencing, risk assessments and the post-conference supervision and welfare needs of offenders.No Full Tex

A review of the impacts of Business Improvement Districts on crime and disorder

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are an initiative adopted by some local governments, businesses, and residents to address concerns around crime and disorder in commercial areas, especially open street town centres. BIDs have become popular in the USA since the 1970s; however, no comprehensive review of evaluations has occurred to date. This paper systematically reviewed the academic literature to find 13 BID evaluations. These studies were examined in terms of their impacts on crime and disorder, displacement, and cost-effectiveness. Of the nine studies that quantitatively examined BID impacts on crime rates, eight (88%) found a reduction in one or more crime types. Six studies explored BID impacts on property crime, with all finding BIDs had a significant negative association with at least one type of property crime, with BIDs particularly effective at targeting vehicle-related offences. BIDs were also found to have a positive impact on reducing disorder and public nuisance type offences, however, had mixed evidence on violent crime, with three out of seven studies on violent crime finding BIDs can help to prevent robbery. Displacement of crime to surrounding areas was found to be rare, and the three studies that examined costs of operating BIDs all concluded they are cost-effective. The challenges of implementing BIDs are discussed, along with the implications for ongoing policy and practice development in the reduction of crime and disorder in commercial areas.Full Tex

‘Think Global Act Local’: a place-based approach to sexual abuse prevention

Child sexual abuse is a global concern and its prevention warrants international attention. However the prevalence of child sexual abuse is not evenly distributed amongst the world’s population, with observed rates in some countries, neighbourhoods or local contexts, much higher than in others. Abuse dimensions and dynamics, as well as underlying causal structures and processes, are also likely to differ from location to location within countries. Whilst clinical (individual-level) and epidemiological (whole-population) approaches dominate current research and prevention efforts, given these variations we advocate here for a local place-based approach to sexual abuse prevention that targets specific locations and contexts where these problems become concentrated. Pinpointing key problem contexts (hotspots), opportunity structures and precipitating conditions provides an opportunity to respond at a local neighbourhood or organisational level and target key underlying mechanisms, positioning prevention and intervention resources and efforts where they are most needed. Despite its local focus, this nuanced approach to prevention has the potential to be transferred to a range of locations and contexts around the world, facilitating a more efficient response to sexual abuse.Full Tex

Best practice in sexual offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs

Purpose: This paper aims to report on the results of a global search to identify the characteristics of successful sexual offender treatment programs, with a view to providing guidance for program development. Design/methodology/approach: A keyword search was conducted of criminology and social science databases. Successful programs were selected on evaluations that used standard scientific designs. Findings: This study identified 18 evaluations of 16 programs showing significant reductions in reconvictions. Most programs used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with both group and individual sessions; and many evidenced multisystemic therapy (MST) approaches involving families and/or local communities. CBT-based approaches were also common in the 20 unsuccessful programs identified in the study, although fewer MST-oriented features were in evidence. Noncustodial settings, and combined custodial-noncustodial settings, were also more prominent in the successful programs. Research limitations/implications: There is a shortage of studies focused on the specific components of successful treatment programs for sexual offenders, including for subsets of offenders, such as ethnic minority groups and women. Practical implications: The findings demonstrate the need for more investment in treatment programs with strict evaluation processes. New and modified programs are likely to benefit from the application of CBT, MST and a community-based reintegration component. More research is needed on effective elements of sexual offender treatment programs. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first study that examines features of successful sexual offender treatment programs, compared to unsuccessful programs, using a case-study approach. The findings reinforce the known value of CBT and systemic approaches as core features of programs but raise important questions about what other components are key to activating success.No Full Tex

Webinars and workshops as professional development tools to upskill frontline workers in identifying and responding to harmful sexual behaviours

Background: Growing concerns about harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) experienced and exhibited by children and young people has resulted in a demand for training programs for frontline workers. However, HSB professional development initiatives must contend with various challenges and competing demands. Objective: This study evaluated workshops and webinars as professional development tools to upskill frontline workers on preventing, identifying, and responding to HSB. Particularly, whether these platforms met the needs of the workforce; increased professionals’ perceived knowledge, confidence, competence, and actual knowledge, in what ways; and whether the training was subsequently applied in practice to identify and respond to HSB. Participants: and Setting: Surveys were issued pre- and post-workshop/webinar training to measure changes in frontline workers’ perceived knowledge, confidence, competence, and actual knowledge, to identify and respond to HSB (n = 638 pre- and n = 418 post-workshop respondents; n = 473 pre- and n = 419 post-webinar; n = 3 workshop and n = 27 webinar 12-month follow-up). Methods: Quantitative (paired sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and independent sample t-tests) and qualitative thematic analyses from pre- and post-workshop/webinar survey responses were conducted. Findings: Findings tentatively indicate workshops and webinars met the needs of participants and, overall, were effective in increasing perceived knowledge, confidence, competence, and actual knowledge. Despite a smaller 12-month follow-up sample, knowledge and skills learned from training were subsequently applied in practice to identify and respond to HSB. Conclusion: There is promising value in workshops and webinars as professional development tools for upskilling a diverse, and geographically dispersed, workforce

Understanding what works in the police management of child sex offenders in the community

Police are becoming increasingly responsible for monitoring convicted child sex offenders in the community. A Rapid Evidence Assessment was undertaken to capture ‘what works’ and what ‘shows promise’ in existing and emerging, innovative policing practices. A total of 920 searches were performed across five databases, spanning the last 5 years. After removal of duplicates and those that did not meet inclusion criteria, 61 articles were analysed. Two key strategies, with sub-strategies, emerged: (1) formalised, targeted management and (2) technology-assisted management. An adapted ‘EMMIE’ framework presents the ‘effects’, the overarching ‘mechanisms’ and ‘moderators’ of success, and ‘implementation’ considerations for effective practice. </jats:p