Hanson & Morton-Bourgon (2005). The characteristics of persistent sexual offenders: A meta-analysis of recidivism studies

Sexual recidivism is associated with deviant sexual interests (1) and antisocial orientation / lifestyle instability (2). Deviant sexual interests refer to enduring attractions to sexual acts that are illegal or highly unusual. Antisocial orientation refers to antisocial personality, antisocial traits and a history of rule violation.  

Antisocial orientation facilitates sexual offending because individuals will not commit sexual crimes unless they are willing to hurt others (1), can convince themselves that they are not harming the victims (2) or feel unable to stop themselves (3).

Risk factors of the development of sexual offending are adverse family environments (1), lacking nurturance and guidance (2) and beliefs that permit non-consensual sex (3). Persistent sexual offenders may be characterized by a negative family background (1), problems forming affectionate bonds with friends and lovers (2) and attitudes tolerant of sexual assault (3).

The observed sexual recidivism rate is 13.7%. The violent non-sexual recidivism rate is 14.3%. General recidivism rate is 36.2%. Anti-social orientation is the major predictor of violent non-sexual recidivism and any recidivism. General problems with self-regulation (1), a history of non-violent crime (2), a history of non-sexual crime (3) and psychopathy (4) are predictors of recidivism.

For adolescent sex-offenders, recidivism was predicted by sexual deviancy (1) and anti-social orientation (2).

Most sexual offenders were more likely to recidivate with non-sexual offenses. Sexual deviancy and anti-social orientation are the major predictors of sexual recidivism. The factors that initiate sexual offending may not be the same as the factors associated with persistence. Sexual offenders are more likely to respond to stress through sexual acts and fantasies, thereby creating discrete time periods where they are at increased risk of sexual recidivism.

According to Mofitt, life-course persistent offenders have behaviour problems in childhood (1), engage in interpersonal violence (2) and have many sexual partners (3). Sexual offenders who attend treatment are less likely to recidivate than any comparison group.

For general offenders, treatment is effective only when it targets criminogenic needs (i.e. characteristics associated with offending).