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

Elliott, H., Winder, B., Manby, E., Edwards, H. and Lievesley, R. (2018) “I kind of find that out by accident”: Probation staff experiences of pharmacological treatment for sexual preoccupation and hypersexuality. Journal of Forensic Practice, 20 (1). pp. 20-31. ISSN 2050-8794

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Abstract

This paper aimed 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). Semi-structured interviews were utilised with a sample of probation staff (Offender Supervisors and Managers, n=12), who supervise individuals convicted of a sexual offence, either in prison, or post-release in the community. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Two main themes emerged: (1) Barriers for probation staff and (2) Suspicious but hopeful. Theme one encapsulates factors that prevent probation staff from engaging with MMSA; theme two highlighted the samples’ uncertainty and mistrust of the use of medication as a potential tool for risk management and scepticism about individuals’ motivations, particularly in the community. 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 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. 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.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: © 2018 Emerald Publishers. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Forensic Practice. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Divisions: School of Social Science
Depositing User: Helen Swaby
Date Deposited: 04 Dec 2017 12:53
Last Modified: 18 Sep 2019 12:46
URI: https://bgro.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/237

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