Sexual offending and abuse perpetrated by men with learning disabilities: an integration of current research concerning assessment and treatment

Abstract

This paper is concerned with sexual offending and abuse by men with learning disabilities. The prevalence of individuals who sexually offend and have learning disabilities is considered. Vulnerability and maintaining factors are also examined. The implications for assessment and treatment are discussed in some detail. Unfortunately, there are relatively few well designed studies in this area and it is impossible to reach any definitive conclusions about the efficacy of approaches used to date. However, there are a number of interventions that show promise. Some of these have already been adapted for people with learning disabilities who sexually offend and abuse. Others require adaptation and suggestions are made for the future development of therapeutic services to this client group.