Recidivism in Adult Sex Offenders

The general definition of recidivism is a re-arrest, a reconviction, or a return to prison. On deciding which definition to pick one a number of factors are considered which include the particular research question, the available data resources, the resources, and the length of the follow-up period. Some studies report only sex re-offenses, whereas others include any re-offenses. Until a few years ago, predictions of recidivism amongst offenders were based on the concept of 'dangerousness' in which case predictions were used to determine the level of danger an individual presented to society. Criticisms rose against 'dangerous' since it lacked precision and it also implied that offenders who were deemed 'dangerous' could not be treated. This meant that instead of predicting recidivism it was risk that was being predicted, giving a suggestion of a more balanced assessment of factors that either increase or decrease the chance...
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