This article presents results from the second phase of a quantitative study examining the early family and sexual socialisation of adult male offenders in New Zealand. In the first phase of this research, a questionnaire was administered to child molesters, rapists and non-sexual offenders, and links were examined between adult offending and exploitative sexual experiences during childhood. The second phase of this research uses the same questionnaire data to develop offender-specific profiles of the men in the sample who have sexually offended. Profiles of the child molester and rapist groups are provided and discussed within the context of other studies that have compared these two criminal groups. The authors conclude that increasing knowledge of offender specific groups is important as it provides a basis from which more specific within-group classifications can be identified, and can contribute to treatment plans that have a better fit with offender profiles.

Aotearoa New Zealand social work : review 19(3) Spring 2007 : 3-11