Internet Sexual Offending: Overview of Potential Contributing Factors and Intervention Strategies

Abstract

As Internet accessibility and use increase dramatically, more and more people are turning to it for sexual purposes. This growing use of the Internet for sexual purposes indicates that the proportion of Internet sexual offences also will continue to rise dramatically. This article examines the impact of Internet problematic behaviours on the potential for recidivism among online sexual offenders. It argues for specialised treatment for these offenders whilst providing an overview of approaches that are currently used in other areas to treat problematic behaviours and how they could be used in the treatment of Internet sexual offenders.

Key words:

• cognitive-behavioral treatment
• Internet addiction
• Internet sex offence
• specialized treatment

Acknowledgement

This article represents the views of the authors alone, and does not constitute an official position of the institution with which they are affiliated.