The Ethics of Denial in Treatment of Offenders

Last Updated on September 23rd, 2026 at 07:27 am
Originally Published on March 2nd, 2022 at 08:00 am
Table of Contents
Overview
Summary
Implications for Mitigation
Reference

Overview

What is the best course of action for treating denial in sexual offenders and how does denial affect recidivism?

Summary

Addressing denial in treatment is a topic that comes up more in family court cases or probation violations than it does in sentencing issues.  A client on probation may be violated by probation due to “failing” out of treatment.  One way a client can do this is by not acknowledging their offense.  In family court, individuals with a founded case are often required to attend treatment regardless of legal outcome and even if they maintain their innocence in the accusation. 

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Reference

SOURCE RESEARCH

But I Didn’t Do It!”: Ethical Treatment of Sex Offenders in Denial

Levenson, J.S. (2011). “But I Didn’t Do It!”: Ethical Treatment of Sex Offenders in Denial. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 23(3), 346-364

Published: 2011

DOI: 10.1177/1079063210382048

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