“A Critical Examination of the Reintegration of Sex Offenders in the
Community”
Darren Woodward
Contact: dazzermattazz@yahoo.co.uk or 01482 812031
Word Count: 399
A Critical Examination of the Reintegration of Sex Offenders in the Community
Project Background
This qualitative study takes its theoretical underpinning from the study of the
reintegration and desistance of offenders. Research into desistance aims to
establish how and why criminals move away from crime and how they
ultimately stop offending. Theories describing this process have centred on
offenders who generally commit ‘street’ crimes, such as burglary, theft and
robbery; there has been very little discussion on sex offenders. The
cumulative theories have established how ontogenic factors, sociogenic
factors and human agency can account for a reduction and ultimate cessation
in crime. It is only very recently that an attempt to theorise desistance in sex
offenders has happened (Laws and Ward, 2011) and only a handful of
qualitative studies have been conducted to try and explain why sex offenders
desist (Farmer, Beech and Ward, 2013; Harris, 2014). No UK based studies
have been reported which focus solely on sex offenders. This project wants to
expand upon the research of Farmer Beech and Ward and include a cohort of
UK offenders who have current sex offences, with a larger sample base.
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this project is simple, it aims to demonstrate an understanding
of how sex offenders cope with reintegration into society, how they cope with
stigma (especially how they internalise this stigma), what the effects of risk
management procedures are and how this relates to helping (or hindering)
them to desist from further criminal behaviour. It is believed that desistance
will be promoted if the offenders reintegration into the community is smooth,
productive, managed well and without harmful stigma.
Methodology
To achieve its aims, this project will adopt a qualitative stance and it is hoped
that about 15 sex offenders, currently under probation supervision, will be
interviewed; using a narrative approach, the project will allow an often berated
and marginalized voice to be heard. To help with the examination of these
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A Critical Examination of the Reintegration of Sex Offenders in the Community
experiences, the researcher will also interview professionals who work with
sex offenders in the community; again using qualitative techniques in a semi
structured format. The sex offenders will all be men, aged 21 or over, have
current sex offences and at least one previous sex offence. They must admit
their offences and will be invited to participate, through their probation officers.
The data will be collected on Dictaphone, transcribed and with the use of a
grounded theory approach; common themes will be established and
discussed.
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