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Assessment and Treatment of Spanish-Speaking Sex Offenders: Special Considerations

NCJ Number
140366
Journal
Psychiatric Quarterly Volume: 61 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 223-236
Author(s)
K Cullen; S Travin
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
While an expanding body of literature pertains to the special treatment needs of Spanish-speaking patients in general, virtually no information is available to facilitate the assessment and treatment of Hispanic sex offenders.
Abstract
Cultural factors affect the treatment of Spanish- speaking patients, and these factors further compound difficulties generally encountered when attempting to engage sex offenders in therapy. One obstacle to engaging sex offenders stems from the dual nature of their disorders (deviant psychological process and unlawful behavior). Sex offenders tend to experience initial contact with therapy as a potential form of continued punishment, since they are usually referred for treatment after entry into the criminal justice system. The setting in which treatment is offered may exacerbate the response of involuntary patients. Studies of group therapy with Hispanics and associated cultural factors focus on language, relationships with authority figures, attitudes toward sexuality, dignity, and personalism. Consideration of cultural factors may help therapists deal with the Spanish-speaking population. Respect for cultural differences may facilitate the creation of a therapeutic alliance by assuaging the patient's fear of rejection or discrimination. An assessment and treatment protocol developed at a New York City forensic psychiatric clinic is described, and two case studies of Hispanics exhibiting pedophilia and exhibitionism are presented. 32 references and 5 tables

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