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Perceptions of sex offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of forensic staff and the general public

Steans, Jennifer; Duff, Simon

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Authors

Jennifer Steans

SIMON DUFF SIMON.DUFF@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology



Abstract

Background. Existing literature suggests that individuals with intellectual disability are not always held accountable for their actions and forensic staff are unlikely to report their sexually harmful behaviour.

Method. This research explores how categorisation of an offender as having intellectual disability and the framing of an offence as planned or opportunistic, impacts upon ratings of risk, blame and intent by forensic staff and the general public. The impact of pre-existing attitudes towards sex offenders upon these ratings was also considered.

Results. Differences are identified between participants’ ratings when the offender is categorised as having an intellectual disability. More positive attitudes are associated with lower ratings of several factors.

Conclusions. Individuals with overly positive attitudes towards sex offenders could underestimate the risk posed by sex offenders with intellectual disability. These results are important to consider alongside the NHS Transforming Care Agenda.

Citation

Steans, J., & Duff, S. (2020). Perceptions of sex offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of forensic staff and the general public. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33(4), 711-719. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12467

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 27, 2018
Online Publication Date May 15, 2018
Publication Date 2020-07
Deposit Date Apr 4, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Print ISSN 1360-2322
Electronic ISSN 1468-3148
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 33
Issue 4
Pages 711-719
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12467
Keywords Attitudes towards Sex Offenders; ATS; Intellectual disability; Sex offenders with an intellectual disability
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/932799
Publisher URL https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jar.12467

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