A systematic review exploring the role of gender in staffs experience of working with sexual offenders

A systematic review exploring the role of gender in staffs experience of working with sexual offenders

Abbie Woodhouse, Sarah Craven-Staines
Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print, pp.-

Although literature surrounding sexual criminality is growing; with recent research, this paper aims to focus more upon burnout and emotional impact in therapists who study with sex offenders, little is known about possible gender differences in their experiences.
The study presents a systematic review that aims to provide an impartial critical examination of relevant existing literature, with the main aim of exploring the role of gender (both the staff members and the clients) in staffs’ experience of working with sexual offenders.
Findings retrieved 10 eligible studies indicating evidence of the influential role in which gender plays in the experienced staff may have when working with sexual offenders. Studies within the review demonstrated variability in views towards sexual offenders across genders; with studies finding female staff to hold more positive perceptions of sexual offenders. Further evidence suggested a global impact of working with the client group; with professionals holding differential and largely more positive views of sexual offenders than the general public. However, an adverse impact of working with sexual offenders was highlighted, particularly for staff who have worked lo...

Source: Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice - October 12, 2021 Category: Criminology Authors: Abbie Woodhouse Sarah Craven-Staines Source Type: research