“I kind of find that out by accident”: probation staff experiences of pharmacological treatment for sexual preoccupation and hypersexuality

Pages20-31
Published date12 February 2018
Date12 February 2018
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-09-2017-0036
AuthorHelen Elliott,Belinda Winder,Ellie Manby,Helen Edwards,Rebecca Lievesley
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice
I kind of find that out by accident:
probation staff experiences of
pharmacological treatment for sexual
preoccupation and hypersexuality
Helen Elliott, Belinda Winder, Ellie Manby, Helen Edwards and Rebecca Lievesley
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the views and experiences of probation staff working
with individuals convicted of a sexual offence who have been prescribed medication to manage sexual
arousal (MMSA).
Design/methodology/approach Semi-structuredinterviews were utilised with a sample of probation staff
(offender supervisors and managers, n ¼12), who supervise individuals convicted of a sexual offence, either
in prison, or post-release in the community. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings Two main themes emerged: barriers for probation staff and suspicious but hopeful. Theme 1
encapsulatesfactors that prevent probationstaff from engagingwith MMSA; theme 2 highlightedthe samples
uncertaintyand mistrust of the use of medicationas a potential tool for risk managementand scepticism about
individualsmotivations, particularly in the community.
Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study was the differing levels of knowledge
the sample had about MMSA and their subsequent ability to discuss MMSA other than in a theoretical sense.
Practical implications Practical implications include the need for further training for probation staff,
improved collaboration between departments and ongoing support for staff to support the success of the
MMSA intervention.
Originality/value This study offers a novel perspective on MMSA that of the probation staff supervising
prisoners taking MMSA. This has not been explored before, and the findings and associated implications are
of importance for the treatment and care of those convicted of sexual offences.
Keywords Qualitative research, Sexual offending, Medication to manage sexual arousal,
Pharmacological treatment, Probation staff, Staff perspectives
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Research has demonstrated that poor preparation for release from prison predicts higher rates of
sexual recidivism (Dickson and Polaschek, 2015), even whilst controlling for static and dynamic
predictive risk factors (Scoones et al., 2012). A crucial role in supporting the effective discharge of
prisonersrests with probationofficers, who are pivotal to the supervision/management of prisoners
on release and in the community. In the UK, these are offender supervisors (OSs) and offender
managers (OMs). OSs are based in custody, and support prisoners through the prison system,
managing sentence planning and parole reviews. Conversely, OMs are based in the community,
workingwith individualsto monitor risk andbehaviour and ensurecompliance withprobation orders
and licence conditions. They provide support with employment, accommodation and access to
servicesonce in the community, important factors which whennot addressed, are associated with
increased risk of recidivism (Hanson and Morton-Bourgon, 2005; Lussier and Gress, 2014; Willis
and Grace, 2008, 2009). This is a challenging task for most ex-prisoners, but is exacerbated for
Received 18 September 2017
Revised 24 October 2017
25 October 2017
Accepted 26 October 2017
The authors would like to thank all
participants who contributed to
this research.
Helen Elliott is a Lecturer and
Belinda Winder is a Professor of
Forensic Psychology, both at
the Sexual Offences, Crime and
Misconduct Research Unit,
Division of Psychology,
Nottingham Trent University,
Nottingham, UK.
Ellie Manby is a Forensic
Psychologist in Training at HMP
Lowdham Grange,
Nottingham, UK.
Helen Edwards is a Case
Manager and Rebecca
Lievesley is a Lecturer in
Psychology, both at the Sexual
Offences, Crime and
Misconduct Research Unit,
Division of Psychology,
Nottingham Trent University,
Nottingham, UK.
PAG E 20
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
VOL. 20 NO. 1 2018, pp. 20-31, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794 DOI 10.1108/JFP-09-2017-0036

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