A Safe Place for Predators: Online Treatment of Recovering Sex Offenders

ABSTRACT

This study examines the process and effectiveness of a voluntary online support group for recovering sex offenders. The study used unobtrusive observation of the group for a period of 10 months. The support group was facilitated by two nonprofessional, recovering sex offenders. The group was found to be a positive therapeutic environment, with members providing positive support and confrontation through the process of change. Among those who were active participants, there was significant improvement in several indicators of change.

KEYWORDS:

• Online intervention
• self-help
• sex offenders
• support group

Notes

∗Categories are not mutually exclusive, therefore percent will not equal 100%.

∗Categories are not mutually exclusive, therefore percent will not equal 100%.

∗p < .05.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Poco D. Kernsmith

Dr. Poco D. Kernsmith, Wayne State University, School of Social Work, 4756 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202 (Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected])

Roger M. Kernsmith

Dr. Roger M. Kernsmith, Eastern Michigan University, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, 712 Pray Harold, Ypsilanti, MI 48197