PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL OFFENDING: INSIGHTS FROM POLITICAL DISCOURSE, PUBLIC OPINION, PROFESSIONAL PERCEPTIONS, AND INTIMATE PARTNERS’ RESPONSES

Attitudes towards individuals with sexual convictions have been extensively studied in recent years within forensic psychology and criminology. While providing interesting insights, significant gaps persist in understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying perceptions of this population. This thesis aims to advance the literature in this realm by examining potential constructs influencing attitudes towards sex offenders, through a series of studies designed within validated theoretical paradigms and robust experimental methods. Chapter I delves into the impact of media portrayal on attitudes towards sexual perpetrators, revealing a predominantly negative and emotionally charged narrative through linguistic analysis of politicians’ Tweets, and emphasising the need for more evidence-based communication and management strategies. Chapter II examines public perceptions of sexual offenders and the factors shaping them. Findings from a national survey reveal variations based on victim age, offender socio-economic status, and engagement in psychological treatment. Additionally, personal comfort with sexuality seems to be associated with these perceptions. Chapter III investigates how psychologists’ expertise impacts on their evaluation of a forensic case upon learning of a sexual offence and the perpetrator’s denial. Findings include that experienced psychologists show less willingness to be in favour of prison benefits, but are more likely to believe in the effectiveness of treatment, while greater hesitancy and delegation were observed among non-experts. Chapter IV focuses on the reactions of intimate partners when confronted with the reality of their loved ones being perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Analysis of 85 couples indicates higher separation rates when the victim is known, allegations are believed, and other forms of abuse are present. Short-term relationships are associated with increased separation likelihood. Overall, this work underlines the importance of examining attitudes to sexual offending from different perspectives, bridging the gap between institutions, the public, professionals and intimate partners.