The Offence Process of Sex Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

There have been few attempts to build a model of sexual offending for men with intellectual disabilities and hence clarify appropriate intervention. This study examines any commonalities that characterize the offence process of such men. Using a grounded theory approach, qualitative interviews with sex offenders with intellectual disabilities are analyzed to generate a model of the offence process. Data from qualitative interviews with clinicians is used to triangulate offender participants' data. The subsequent model highlights the importance of individual's attitudes and beliefs and the impact that they have at all stages of the offence process. It raises issues concerning the variation in the process that is seen within and between offences. Additionally, it identifies a marked lack of awareness of any "decency insult" in these offenders, an inability to empathize with society's view of sex offending. A clear implication is that thorough assessment and formulation are likely to be the key to successful and appropriate intervention.