Articles on Sex Offender Recidivism

Descriptions of Studies

Chronological Annotated Bibliography on Sex Offender Treatment [Texas Department of Health Council on Sex Offender Treatment]

Grubin, Don, and Sarah Wingate. Sexual Offence Recidivism: Prediction Versus Understanding. Grubin is the author of the British government's report on sex offending against children. [OCOI Studios Multimedia Probation Links]

Kokish, Ron. Sex Offender Treatment: Does It Work? Is It Worth It? [Delson-Kokish Associates]

Lotke, Eric. The Myth of High Reoffense Rates. From "Politics and Irrelevance: Community Notification Statutes." Scroll down to section 1A. [National Center on Institutions and Alternatives]

Wakefield, Hollida, and Ralph Underwager. Assessing Violent Recidivism in Sexual Offenders. Issues in Child Abuse Accusations. 1998 (Volume 10).

Government Studies

The Law on Sexual Offences: A Discussion Paper. Dublin: Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform (Ireland), 1998. Recidivism rates are discussed in sections 10.1.4 and 10.1.5. The Irish Times description.

Sex Offending Against Children: Understanding the Risk. London: Home Office – Police and Reducing Crime Unit, 1998. Both the full text and the summary are in PDF format, requiring Adobe Acrobat to read. Summary.

Sex Offenses and Offenders: An Analysis of Data on Rape and Sexual Assault. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Justice, 1997.

Scientific Studies

Alexander, Margaret. Sexual Offender Treatment Efficacy Revisited. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment  11/2 (1999). Examined 79 studies, totalling 10,988 sexual offenders.

Furby, Lita, Weinrott, Mark R., & Blackshaw, Lyn. "Sex Offender Recidivism: A Review." Psychological Bulletin 105 (1989): 3-30. Examined 55 studies, totalling 15,361 sexual offenders. Not available online.

Hanson, R. Karl, and Monique T. Bussière. Predictors of Sexual Offender Recidivism: A Meta-analysis. Canadian Public Works and Government Service, 1996. Examined 61 studies, totalling 28,972 sexual offenders.

Hanson, R. Karl, and Monique T. Bussière. "Predicting Relapse: A Meta-analysis of Sex Offender Recidivism Studies." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 66/2 (April 1998). A companion to the above study. Summary. American Psychological Association press release.