Factors influencing the development of an innovative service for women non-offending partners (NOPs) of male sexual offenders

Abstract

There is a paucity of published statistical information regarding women who are in relationships with men who pose a sexual risk to children. Women non-offending partners (NOPS) fulfil various important roles such as mother, stepmother, carer and supervisor, and need individual psychological formulations and programmes of therapeutic intervention to help increase their abilities to protect their children from sexual harm. This paper provides a description of an innovative service for NOPs with an emphasis upon exploring the sociopolitical context and developing a psychological understanding of the needs of this marginalised client group. We conclude that as part of a public health approach to sexual violence, academic researchers, professionals and clinicians need to work collaboratively to address the unique needs of NOPs. If, as a society, we place paramount importance, and prioritise, safeguarding children, there needs to be acknowledgement and increased resources and appropriate services, including psychological intervention for non-offending partners.

Keywords:

• Ability to protect
• child sexual abuse
• cognitive analytical theory (CAT)
• sex offender