The Ethics of Denial in Treatment of Offenders

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.