Preventing and reducing sexual abuse

This chapter focuses on the prevention and reduction of sexual offending and reoffending. It details work conducted by the Sexual Offences, Crime and Misconduct Research Unit (SOCAMRU) at Nottingham Trent University. The chapter outlines three research programmes that have changed policy and practice in managing, treating and rehabilitating people with sexual convictions in the UK and beyond. The first of these focuses on the use of medication to manage problematic sexual arousal (MMPSA) with individuals convicted of a sexual offence. This project explored the role of sexual preoccupation and hypersexual behaviour against the backdrop of both an increased risk of recidivism and reduced levels of wellbeing. The second project considered the notion of ‘denial’. Denial was previously a barrier to treatment, with individuals not being allowed to access treatment if they were ‘in denial’. This research programme changed this, with denial no longer being the organising principle of treatment. The final mixed methods research programme focused on prison-based Circles of Support and Accountability - an initiative first conducted by the Safer Living Foundation charity in the UK. The research indicates that Circles ‘work’ in a plethora of ways, and for a plethora of populations (ex-prisoners, volunteers, the general public). These projects highlight the applied benefits of research that is grounded in collaborative relationships with all stakeholders.