Treatment for Sex Addicts and Others Who Have Been Sexual with Children
There are many professional therapy programs available around the U.S. for treating those who have sexually abused children. In both the legal and clinical spheres, the term used to identify people who have abused children, as well as those who have committed other sex crimes, is sex offender. The programs that treat sex offenders are usually called sexual offender programs. Many of these programs are effective in teaching the person how to maintain control over the urges to repeat the sexual abuse of children. Some of these programs also recognize that sexual activity with children can sometimes be part of a sexual addiction pattern. A few programs work with the addictive aspect in addition to the offender aspect. Sex offender programs vary in methods used and in effectiveness. Most programs work with patients or clients in a group format and many of the participants are involuntary, meaning they are mandated by the Court to be there as a condition of their probation or parole, or to avoid prison time. Some research that has reviewed these programs determined that unfortunately the treatment has often been more punitive and shaming than therapeutic. However, there are some programs motivated by respect and caring that are truly helpful. Whether seeking help voluntarily or the treatment is compulsory, where possible, it is good to get a list of different programs and personally check them out, not only from descriptions the programs provide themselves but from actual participants. Asking, "May I talk to a couple of current or former members about the program," if granted, can be very helpful in finding the best help available. There is a web service that provides a respectful, confidential means of obtaining information, suggestions and support for those who have engaged in sexually offending behavior. For those sincere about learning how to help themselves, a live confidential conversation can be had by phone with a counselor. It appears that these conversations are kept confidential. The web address is http://www.stopitnow.org/mn and the section on the site containing this information and the phone number is “Help for Myself or an Adult I Care About.” Another site that provides a phone number where one can receive referral information for treatment programs around the United States is http://www.safersociety.org. Look under the “Services” section. There is also a very good book on the subject of sexual activity between adults and children, entitled from Generation to Generation: Understanding Sexual Attraction to Children by Anne Stirling Hastings. The book is written from a compassionate point of view and does not shame adults who are sexual with children, but views this issue as one in which all members of society have a part. It does recognize the issue as a serious problem but offers acceptance and hope for those experiencing the problem, as well as suggestions for getting respectful help. To buy the book, click here. |
