Science and the mismanagement of rapists and paedophiles

Abstract

Data once accepted in the scientific literature tend to resist evidence demonstrating that they are incorrect and continue to be accepted. In relation to rapists and paedophiles this has resulted in their continuing to be individually assessed by the invalid procedure of penile circumference plethysmography and to be treated by procedures which aim to modify their sexual preferences despite evidence that such modification is not possible. Relapse prevention continues to be the currently most widely accepted treatment, despite the only well‐controlled evaluation demonstrating it to be ineffective if not harmful.