While sextortion cases are on the rise, our scientific knowledge of the individuals who perpetrate these offenses is limited. As part of an effort to improve our understanding of this type of offending, Wang and Pei conducted the first quantitative study of sextortion cases.

Summary

The authors analyzed 111 sextortion cases that were tried in the Federal System that had information openly available from the Department of Justice. They conducted a factor analysis based on this data. The data fell into four clusters which the authors identified as the following types of offenders: Adult-Focused Financial Sextortion, Minor-Focused CSAM Sextortion, Minor-Focused Tech-Facilitated Sextortion and Adult-Focused Tech-Escalating Hybrid Sextortion.

Reference

The post Sextortion Offenders: Typologies first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

Explore a descriptive model of Voyeuristic Behavior, including risk factors, planning pathways, motivations, and implications for mitigation.

Summary

Despite the fact that cases related to voyeurism are increasing, there continues to be very little scientific research related to the topic.   

A study published in 2024 by Lister and Gannon sought to start addressing the gap in scientific literature.  They conducted a qualitative study of 17 men who had a conviction for an offense related to voyeuristic behaviors.  These men were in prisons in the United Kingdom.  The participants were interviewed by the researchers with interview questions related to their life history and offending behaviors.  The authors used a grounded theory approach that resulted in a model incorporating the temporal sequences of behavior for the participants.  

The results were broken down into the following categories:  Background Factors, Distal Factors, Proximal Factors and Offense and Post Offense factors. 

Reference

The post Voyeuristic Behavior: A Descriptive Model first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

Overview

This briefing document summarizes key findings from “Accessing child sexual abuse material: Pathways to offending and online behaviour” by Wortley et al. (2024). The research, based on a self-report questionnaire of 75 male CSAM offenders in a community-based treatment program, offers critical insights into how individuals become involved with CSAM, their online behaviors, and factors influencing their offending.

Summary

I. Pathways to CSAM Offending

The study reveals a progressive and often inadvertent entry into CSAM offending.

• Inadvertent Exposure and Curiosity:

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  Reference

  SOURCE RESEARCH

  Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Material: Pathways to Offending and Online Behaviour

  Pathways to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Offending and Online Behavior Date: October 26, 2024 Source: Excerpts from “Pathways-to-CSEM-Wortley-et-al-2024.pdf” (Child Abuse & Neglect 154 (2024) 106936)

  DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106936

  Published: 2024
  Research type: Survey Study

  View original source →

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    September 24, 2026

    Explore four typologies of sextortion offenders from 111 U.S. federal cases, including motivations, victim profiles, limitations, and mitigation implications.

  • CSEM, Generative Artificial Intelligence, and the Law

    June 18, 2026

    The proliferation of Generative Artificial Intelligence is transforming the landscape of CSEM creation, distribution, and forensics.

  • CSAM Offending: A New Meta-Analysis

    December 16, 2025

    CSAM Offending meta-analysis (2025) updates recidivism rates: low official reoffense, higher self-report, and key CSAM-only vs mixed differences.

  More from this research collection →

  Forensic Services

  Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

  Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

  ---

  Continue exploring Mitigation Aide for the information on mental health necessary to ensure your clients are treated fairly in the criminal justice system.

  

  The post Pathways to CSAM Offending first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/pathways-to-csam-offending/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-sexual-offending/ https://mitigationaide.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-sexual-offending/#respond Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:27:52 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1747 There is an increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder offending sexually. Research about sex offending and neurodivergence is limited.

  The post Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Offending first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]>

  Overview

  In many jurisdictions, there is an increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder being charged with sexual crimes. While we know that these individuals are very different from those not on the spectrum, there is still limited research on the issue.

  Summary

  Magari et. al. (2024) published a systematic review of ASD and sexual offending in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews in 2024. The goal of this research was to do the following:

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  Reference

  SOURCE RESEARCH

  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual offending: A systematic review

  Margari, A., De Agazio, G., Marzulli, L., Piarulli, F. M., Mandarelli, G., Catanesi, R., Carabellese, F. F., & Cortese, S. (2024). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sexual offending: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 162, 105687.

  Published: 2024
  Research type: Systematic Review

  DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105687

  View original source →

  Related Research

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder in Prison

    May 6, 2024

    We are seeing more individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in criminal cases. Research on individuals with ASD in the justice system is lagging.

  • Autism and Male Sexuality: What do we know about it?

    April 11, 2024

    It is critically important for all in the criminal justice system to understand the effects of Autism and male sexuality.

  • What do we Need to Know About Child Pornography, Autism and the Law?

    October 2, 2023

    In this article, Mark Mahoney, Esquire, lays out the primary symptoms of ASD and the peculiarities of autism and the law.

  More from this research collection →

  Forensic Services

  Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

  Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

  ---

  Continue exploring Mitigation Aide for the information on mental health necessary to ensure your clients are treated fairly in the criminal justice system.

  

  The post Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Offending first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-sexual-offending/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/what-do-we-know-about-upskirting/ https://mitigationaide.com/what-do-we-know-about-upskirting/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1579 There has been disappointingly little research performed on Upskirting, however a new review is shedding light on the topic.

  The post What Do We Know About Upskirting? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]>

  Overview

  There has been disappointingly little research performed on Upskirting, however a new review is shedding light on the topic.

  Summary

  If your work involves problematic sexual behavior, you have likely heard the term upskirting.

  It is a term used to describe the nonconsensual photographing of women’s or girl’s bodies. This is often literally up a skirt, down a blouse or of the clothed genital region.

  Why Do People Engage in Upskirting?

  Some people who engage in this behavior keep the images for their own personal consumption and often use them as

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  Reference

  SOURCE RESEARCH

  Upskirting: A Systematic Literature Review

  Lewis, R. & Anitha, S. (2022). Upskirting: A Systematic Literature Review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse

  DOI: 10.1177/15248380221082091

  Published: 2022
  Research type: Systematic Review

  View original source →

  Related Research

  • Voyeuristic Behavior: A Descriptive Model

    August 17, 2026

    Explore a descriptive model of Voyeuristic Behavior, including risk factors, planning pathways, motivations, and implications for mitigation.

  • Hypersexuality and Paraphilias in Individuals with ASD

    August 21, 2023

    Despite increases in legal contact for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), very little research exists about ASD, hypersexuality and paraphilias.

  • Do Biological And Sociological Incest Offenders Differ?

    July 3, 2023

    Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by incest offenders, there is little research that specifically focuses on this type of offending.

  More from this research collection →

  Forensic Services

  Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

  Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

  ---

  Continue exploring Mitigation Aide for the information on mental health necessary to ensure your clients are treated fairly in the criminal justice system.

  

  The post What Do We Know About Upskirting? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/what-do-we-know-about-upskirting/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/understanding-the-involuntarily-celibate-incel-subculture/ https://mitigationaide.com/understanding-the-involuntarily-celibate-incel-subculture/#respond Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1567 The incel subculture thrives on reinforcing the beliefs of disillusioned men. I take a look "red-pilled" beliefs on behavior and sentencing outcomes.

  The post Understanding the Involuntarily Celibate (Incel) Subculture first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

  ]]>

  Overview

  The incel subculture thrives on reinforcing the beliefs of disillusioned men. I take a look “red-pilled” beliefs on behavior and sentencing outcomes.

  Summary

  The Involuntarily Celibate, or incel, community sometimes comes to attention after an incident that brings them to the news. However, this is a subculture whose beliefs are becoming more common. It’s time to dig into the research literature on this topic.

  Study on Incel Subculture

  In a study published in 2022, O’Malley et al studied the incel subculture on two forum sites, one specifically created for incels. The study analyzed over 8,000 posts looking for themes and group norms of the culture.

  First some definitions:

  • An incel is a person who is involuntarily celibate. This means they have not had sex for at least six months despite having a desire to have a sexual relationship.

  Conversely, what sets an involuntarily celibate individual apart from a non-incel who has not had sex in the past six months are their beliefs.

  They become “red-pilled.”

  • They believe we all live under a

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    Reference

    SOURCE RESEARCH

    An Exploration of the Involuntary Celibate (Incel) Subculture Online

    O’Malley, R.L., Holt, K. & Holt, T.J. (2022). An Exploration of the Involuntary Celibate (Incel) Subculture Online. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(7/8)

    DOI: 10.1177/0886260520959625

    Published: 2022
    Research type: Qualitative Study

    View original source →

    Related Research

    • Sextortion Offenders: Typologies

      September 24, 2026

      Explore four typologies of sextortion offenders from 111 U.S. federal cases, including motivations, victim profiles, limitations, and mitigation implications.

    • Voyeuristic Behavior: A Descriptive Model

      August 17, 2026

      Explore a descriptive model of Voyeuristic Behavior, including risk factors, planning pathways, motivations, and implications for mitigation.

    • Pathways to CSAM Offending

      October 15, 2025

      This summarizes key findings from a self report study offering critical insights into initial CSAM viewing, online behaviors, and factors influencing offending.

    More from this research collection →

    Forensic Services

    Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

    Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

    ---

    Continue exploring Mitigation Aide for the information on mental health necessary to ensure your clients are treated fairly in the criminal justice system.

    

    The post Understanding the Involuntarily Celibate (Incel) Subculture first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/understanding-the-involuntarily-celibate-incel-subculture/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/measuring-incestuous-sexual-interest-in-a-sample-of-fathers/ https://mitigationaide.com/measuring-incestuous-sexual-interest-in-a-sample-of-fathers/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1554 A study to set a baseline for incestuous sexual offenders for evaluations and risk assessments using a community sample of fathers from North America.

    The post Measuring Incestuous Sexual Interest in a Sample of Fathers first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]>

    Overview

    A study to set a baseline for incestuous sexual offenders for psychosexual evaluations and risk assessments using a community sample of fathers from North America.

    Summary

    When conducting psychosexual evaluations and risk assessments, some measure of sexual interest is often used.

    Normally, either the Penile Plethysmograph (PPG) or the ABEL screen, which is a visual reaction time (VRT) measure of sexual interest, are used.

    Studies looking at VRT, particularly, in incest offenders are scarce. There are no known studies looking at sexual interest based on VRT in a community sample (non-offending) of fathers.

    Determining Incestuous Sexual Interest

    This 2022 study recruited 652 men from the United States and Canada to participate in an online study measuring:

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    Reference

    SOURCE RESEARCH

    Viewing Time Measures of Sexual Interest and Sexual Offending Propensity: An Online Survey of Fathers

    Pezzoli, P., Babchishin, K., Pullman, L., & Seto, M.C. (2022). Viewing Time Measures of Sexual Interest and Sexual Offending Propensity: An Online Survey of Fathers. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51: 4097-4110

    Published: 2022
    Research type: Survey Study
    Jurisdiction: United States

    DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02324-5

    View original source →

    Related Research

    • Do Biological And Sociological Incest Offenders Differ?

      July 3, 2023

      Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by incest offenders, there is little research that specifically focuses on this type of offending.

    • What are the Risk Factors for Father Daughter Incest?

      December 13, 2022

      This study, with over 2000 participants, explores risk factors leading to this less researched form of childhood abuse, known as Father Daughter Incest or FDI.

    • Were Men with Paraphilic Infantilism Mistreated in Childhood?

      November 7, 2022

      Can childhood mistreatment lead to pedophilic behaviors? Is there correlation between adult baby/diaper lovers (Paraphilic Infantilism) and pedophilic desires?

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    Forensic Services

    Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

    Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

    The post Measuring Incestuous Sexual Interest in a Sample of Fathers first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/measuring-incestuous-sexual-interest-in-a-sample-of-fathers/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/what-causes-people-with-autism-to-sexually-offend/ https://mitigationaide.com/what-causes-people-with-autism-to-sexually-offend/#respond Mon, 04 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1543 Unlike neurotypical individuals who commit sex crimes, there is currently no validated theory about what causes people with Autism to sexually offend.

    The post What Causes People with Autism to Sexually Offend? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]>

    Overview

    Unlike for neurotypical individuals who commit sex crimes, there is currently no validated theory linking Autism and sexual offenses.

    Summary

    Research conducted on the sexual offenses committed by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to date suggests four possible motivations:

    1. The difficulty that ASD individuals have with social cognition
    2. ASD individuals lack an understanding and awareness of sexual issues
    3. ASD individuals may engage in compulsive thinking and have sexual frustration.
    4. Exploitation and abuse

    Autism and Sexual Offenses

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    Reference

    SOURCE RESEARCH

    Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders

    Payne, K-L., Maras, K., & Brosnan, M.J. (2019). Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 24(2)

    DOI: 10.1177/1362361319858860

    Published: 2019
    Research type: Qualitative Study
    Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

    View original source →

    Related Research

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Offending

      August 18, 2025

      There is an increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder offending sexually. Research about sex offending and neurodivergence is limited.

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder in Prison

      May 6, 2024

      We are seeing more individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in criminal cases. Research on individuals with ASD in the justice system is lagging.

    • Autism and Male Sexuality: What do we know about it?

      April 11, 2024

      It is critically important for all in the criminal justice system to understand the effects of Autism and male sexuality.

    More from this research collection →

    Forensic Services

    Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

    Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

    ---

    Continue exploring Mitigation Aide for the information on mental health necessary to ensure your clients are treated fairly in the criminal justice system.

    

    The post What Causes People with Autism to Sexually Offend? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/what-causes-people-with-autism-to-sexually-offend/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/hypersexuality-and-paraphilias-in-individuals-with-asd/ https://mitigationaide.com/hypersexuality-and-paraphilias-in-individuals-with-asd/#respond Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:00:14 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1536 Despite increases in legal contact for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), very little research exists about ASD, hypersexuality and paraphilias.

    The post Hypersexuality and Paraphilias in Individuals with ASD first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]>

    Overview

    Despite increasing numbers of individuals in the criminal justice system with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), very little research exists about ASD, hypersexuality and paraphilias.

    Summary

    There is an increasing number of individuals on the Autism Spectrum coming into contact with the criminal justice system, particularly internet sex crimes. Despite this, very little is known about ASD and sexuality or sexual offending behavior.

    One Study About Hypersexuality and Paraphilias

    A 2017 study by Schottle, et al, studied this topic. Specifically focusing on hypersexuality and paraphilic behavior in both men and woman with ASD.

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    Reference

    SOURCE RESEARCH

    Sexuality in Autism: Hypersexual and paraphilic behavior in women and men with high functioning autism spectrum disorder

    Schottle, E., Briken, P., Tuscher, O., & Turner, D. (2017). “Sexuality in Autism: Hypersexual and paraphilic behavior in women and men with high functioning autism spectrum disorder ” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience 19(4): 381-393.

    Published: 2017

    DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.4/dschoettle

    View original source →

    Related Research

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Offending

      August 18, 2025

      There is an increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder offending sexually. Research about sex offending and neurodivergence is limited.

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder in Prison

      May 6, 2024

      We are seeing more individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in criminal cases. Research on individuals with ASD in the justice system is lagging.

    • Autism and Male Sexuality: What do we know about it?

      April 11, 2024

      It is critically important for all in the criminal justice system to understand the effects of Autism and male sexuality.

    More from this research collection →

    Forensic Services

    Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

    Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

    ---

    This article references the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI-19). Learn more about this, and other, self-assessments on Dr. Weeks’ other site, free of charge.

    

    The post Hypersexuality and Paraphilias in Individuals with ASD first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/hypersexuality-and-paraphilias-in-individuals-with-asd/feed/ 0 https://mitigationaide.com/do-biological-and-sociological-incest-offenders-differ/ https://mitigationaide.com/do-biological-and-sociological-incest-offenders-differ/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:42:33 +0000 https://mitigationaide.com/?p=1459 Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by incest offenders, there is little research that specifically focuses on this type of offending.

    The post Do Biological And Sociological Incest Offenders Differ? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]>

    Overview

    Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by incest offenders, there is little research that specifically focuses on this type of offending.

    Summary

    Research on child sexual abuse tends to focus on contact offending in a general sense or on abuse perpetrated by non-family members.

    In a meta-analysis published in 2017 the authors, Pullman et. al, sought to study whether there were differences between biological and sociological incest offending.

    Mitigation Aide is full of useful content for criminal defense, attorneys, public defenders, forensic mental health professionals, sentence mitigation experts, and researchers!

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    Reference

    SOURCE RESEARCH

    Differences between biological and sociolegal incest offenders: A meta-analysis

    Pullman, L.E., Sawatsky, M.L., Babchishin, K.M., McPhail, I. V. & Seto, M.C. (2017). Differences between biological and sociolegal incest offenders: A meta-analysis. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 34, 228-237.

    Published: 2017
    Research type: Meta-Analysis

    DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2017.01.003

    View original source →

    Related Research

    • Measuring Incestuous Sexual Interest in a Sample of Fathers

      October 16, 2023

      A study to set a baseline for incestuous sexual offenders for evaluations and risk assessments using a community sample of fathers from North America.

    • What are the Risk Factors for Father Daughter Incest?

      December 13, 2022

      This study, with over 2000 participants, explores risk factors leading to this less researched form of childhood abuse, known as Father Daughter Incest or FDI.

    • What is Grooming?

      September 20, 2022

      A summary of a study to create a universal definition for the term grooming, developed by using the Sexual Grooming Model.

    More from this research collection →

    Forensic Services

    Need additional support with a sentencing mitigation report or another complex forensic case? Dr. Jennifer Weeks, an expert witness and forensic counselor, provides consultation and forensic services for attorneys and other professionals working with sexual-behavior cases.

    Explore Dr. Weeks’ forensic services →

    The post Do Biological And Sociological Incest Offenders Differ? first appeared on Mitigation Aide.

    ]]> https://mitigationaide.com/do-biological-and-sociological-incest-offenders-differ/feed/ 0