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What are the characteristics of first time older sexual offenders?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 November 2017

Joanne Chua ,
Gary Cheung ,
Susan Hatters Friedman  and
Sigourney Taylor
Joanne Chua*
Affiliation:
Kauri Unit, Mason Clinic, Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services, Auckland, New Zealand
Gary Cheung
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Susan Hatters Friedman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Sigourney Taylor
Affiliation:
Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr Joanne Chua, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Kauri unit, Mason Clinic, Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services, Private Bag 19986, Avondale, Auckland 1746, New Zealand. Phone: +64212661694; Fax: +6498155153. Email: Joanne.Chua@waitematadhb.govt.nz.
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Abstract

Background:

Our objective was to examine and describe the common socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of first time older sex offenders.

Methods:

Research papers published in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched systematically. Following removal of duplicates and irrelevant papers, a total of 423 papers were reviewed to determine whether the selection criteria were met. A total of seven publications were included and evaluated by two researchers.

Results:

Of the seven publications, there were two retrospective research studies and five case reports. There was a higher proportion of neurocognitive disorder in this offender group and the victims were usually vulnerable individuals. Yet, cognitive assessments were rarely done or reported. Two subtypes of older sex offenders were identified: (i) offenders who had offended in the past but were not previously detected; (ii) first-time offenders with a high proportion of neurocognitive disorder.

Conclusion:

There is a paucity of research in first time sex offending by older people. This review has highlighted a need for better designed studies to explore the characteristics of older sex offenders. Better collaboration between forensic and old-age psychiatric services is required for improved assessment and management of older sex offenders.

Keywords

agingcognitive disordersforensicsexviolence
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 30 , Issue 5: Issue Theme: Brain Imaging , May 2018 , pp. 647 - 662
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2017 

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