“This is a landmark book on the explanation, assessment and treatment of female sex offenders, edited by two of the sexual offending field’s emerging stars. Drs. Theresa Gannon and Franca Cortoni have gathered together many of the best researchers into femal sexual offending and the various chapters analyze in depth the key issues confronting practitioners and researchers alike. In my view this is a monumental volume that will set the research and practice agenda for years to come. It is a first class piece of work.”
—Professor Tony ward, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
“The research and treatment literature regarding sexual offending has long focused on the misdeeds of men. However, as the scientific and popular focus on sexual offending has increased, so too has the realization that we have underestimated the extent of (and accordingly, failed to appreciate the effects of) sexually inappropriate behavior in women. Drs. Theresa Gannon and Franca Cortoni present a collection of chapters by clinicians and researchers knowledgeable about sexual violence in women. This unique and timely volume quite nicely combines theoretical perspectives with suggestions for effective interventions, as well as some thoughts regarding future directions – all geared specifically to women. a long time coming…this book was well worth the wait.”—Dr. Robin J. Wilson, Clinical Director, Florida Civil Commitment Center, USA
A great deal of literature and empirical research exists regarding male sex offenders. However, research and treatment dealing specifically with female sexual offenders has only been emerging in recent years – but these efforts are rapidly gathering momentum.
Female Sexual Offenders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment represents the first book to bring together the most current research, clinical assessment, and treatment techniques of female sexual offenders into one accessible volume. The opening chapters provide a wealth of general contextual and background information, covering such issues as female-perpetrated sexual abuse prevalence, juvenile offenders, and current theoretical perspectives to explain this phenomenon. Subsequent chapters feature practitioner-focused essays which examine and evaluate current assessment strategies, treatment needs, effectiveness, and processes for female sexual offenders. Also included is an assessment of the risk of recidivism, international treatment initiatives, and a discussion on the latest research findings on the use of the polygraph with female sexual offenders.
The book concludes with an impassioned plea to redouble our efforts – specifically, gender-informed research efforts – if we are to make significant progress in our knowledge about the assessment and treatment of women sexual offenders. Female Sexual Offenders: Theory, Assessment and Treatment paves the way for future practitioners and researchers in this important area.
