The Management of Sex Offenders in South Africa: Drawing from International Evidence to Address a National Problem

Abstract

This paper draws on more than 26 years' experience of working with sex offenders in both community-based and prison contexts in South Africa. It emphasises that available information and research on the characteristics of sex offenders and effective interventions remain limited in South Africa. However, the paper focuses on the argument that perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be managed by consolidating what is known nationally with international opinion. It also highlights that international, research-based evidence on the most effective approaches to assessment and management of sex offenders can be used in South Africa. In this way it is possible to lay the foundations for sound policies and practices locally that can provide an effective response to the present escalation in sexual violence.

Keywords:

• sexual offending
• risk factors
• South Africa
• grooming
• psychosocial vulnerabilities
• inadequate environments