Sex Offender group
The sex offender group can be included in the high level Activity Requirement, decided after a post sentence assessment.
Sex offenders often have distorted ways of thinking, which include blaming the victim, denying their own responsibility and minimising the harm they have caused. The aim of the Sex Offender group is to change attitudes and behaviours and develop skills in recognising and managing risk situations.
We currently deliver two accredited sex offender groups. These are the Northumbria Sex Offending Groupwork group and the Internet Sex Offender group.
The Northumbria group is designed to deal with a wide variety of offenders whose offending may include physical contact and non-contact offences. The internet programme focuses on non-contact offending. Offenders are assessed to determine which programme is most suitable for them.
The Northumbria Sex Offending group
The group is intensive and consists of four modules. These modules:
- Examine the offences and require offenders to take responsibility for their actions.
- Identify the thought processes and actions that caused the offending - focusing on the choices that were made and the missed opportunities to break out of the cycle.
- Highlight how the offender could act differently if the situation were repeated.
- Identify the specific risks of re-offending for each individual.
- Teach the offender how to put the learning into practice and allows them to practice new skills.
The Internet Sexual Offending group
This is for those whose offences include the viewing, making, possession or distribution of indecent images of children through electronic communication.
Whilst such offending is currently mainly through the use of the Internet, it is possible that offenders may use other forms of accessing such material such as by telephone technology.
The group focuses on:
- motivational work.
- understanding why the offence was committed.
- increasing victim awareness.
- developing thinking skills.
- coping strategies.
Many sex offenders remain under Police and Probation supervision for a considerable period. The Police and Probation work closely together to share information and manage the level of risk that offenders pose. If offenders do not keep to their licence or order conditions, the Probation Service will ensure that they go back to court or prison.
