First-time older sex offenders. A life cycle problem?

Abstract

Sexual offences are common among the older segment of the offender population. Frequently, these sexual crimes were committed at an older age and were offenders' first known criminal offence. These men are labelled in scientific literature as "first-time older sex offenders". Their existence is difficult to explain through contemporary sexual violence theories, which correlate the influence of risk factors with an early age. This paper reviews the existing research about older sex offenders and its implications with the phenomenon of first-time older sex offenders. This area has been primarily focused on psychopathological and neuropsychological variables, neglecting the explanatory role of factors such as the way individuals cope with psychosocial and sexual changes associated with normal ageing. Furthermore, limitations of the risk assessment procedures used with older sex offenders, and their implications for professional decision making are also analyzed.