This book provides an in-depth overview of the current research on sexual grooming. It explores the process by which an individual seeking to commit a sexual offense skillfully manipulates a potential victim into situations in which abuse can be more readily committed, while simultaneously preventing disclosure and detection. This volume addresses this understudied phenomenon and comprehensively examines what is currently known about the construct. It provides a thorough introduction to the sexual grooming literature, focusing on the history of the term and how sexual grooming strategies have become more publicly recognized through high-profile cases, as well as those in child-serving organizations (e.g., Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America). The book reviews the various proposed models of sexual grooming - including the Sexual Grooming Model (SGM) - that detail the overarching steps or stages involved in the process. It discusses attempts to define the construct of sexual grooming and addresses potential consequences of sexual grooming, emphasizing how victims, families, and communities at large may be affected. Key areas of coverage include: Unique contexts and facets in which sexual grooming behavior has been observed, including online grooming, personal/self-grooming, familial grooming, institutional grooming, and grooming behaviors of females. The ways in which sexual grooming strategies may be manifested in sex trafficking cases and in adult sexual abuse. Assessment and treatment of sexual grooming, as well as prevention strategies. The implementation of grooming research to inform law enforcement efforts and court decision-making. The creation and adoption of legislation and policies designed to prevent sexual grooming. Child Sexual Grooming is an essential resource for researchers, professors, graduate students, clinicians, mental health therapists, legal professionals, policy makers, law enforcement, and related professionals in developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychology, social work, public health, criminology/criminal justice, forensic psychology, and behavioral therapy and rehabilitation.

This book reviews how new and promising evidence-based interventions are being used with those involved in the criminal justice system. While there has been an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice within forensic treatment, there remains a disjoint between what we know works and adapting these interventions to those involved in the criminal justice system. This book seeks to bridge that gap by providing an overview of what we know works and how that information has been translated into offender treatment. In addition, it highlights avenues where additional research is needed. This book is comprised of three parts: In the first part, current models of correctional treatment including the Risk, Needs, Responsivity Model, The Good Lives Model and Cognitive Behavioral Models are presented. In the second part, the chapters address clinical issues such as the therapeutic alliance, clinician factors, and diversity related issues that impact treatment outcome. In the third and final part of the book, adaptions of innovative and cutting-edge evidence-based treatments such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Assertive Community Treatment, Multisystemic Treatment, New frontiers in Intimate Partner Violence treatment, and the current research on the treatment of those with psychopathy are presented. Research supporting these treatment approaches targeting areas such as self-management, psychological well-being, treatment engagement and retention and their relationship to recidivism will be reviewed, while their adaptation for use with forensic populations is discussed. The book concludes with the editors' summary of the findings and a discussion of the future of evidence-based interventions within the field of forensic psychology.

The purpose of this edited volume is to examine the disconnect in the sexual violence prevention field between legislation, research and practice. The work is focused primarily on United States policies and initiatives, with key case studies internationally. Contributions show that current policies are mainly based on repeat offenders: residence restrictions, registration and notification statutes, and post-sentence initiatives. While these initiatives address public fears, they are not evidence-based and do not necessarily reduce offending. Research shows that post-sentence policies may destabilize offenders and limit their ability to reintegrate with society at a critical period, therefore increasing the chances of recidivism. Furthermore, the majority of sex crimes (95%) are committed by first time offenders. This innovative book is divided into two parts juxtaposing what is currently being done legislatively with what the research evidence suggests would be best practice.

The purpose of this edited volume is to examine the disconnect in the sexual violence prevention field between legislation, research and practice. The work is focused primarily on United States policies and initiatives, with key case studies internationally. Contributions show that current policies are mainly based on repeat offenders: residence restrictions, registration and notification statutes, and post-sentence initiatives. While these initiatives address public fears, they are not evidence-based and do not necessarily reduce offending. Research shows that post-sentence policies may destabilize offenders and limit their ability to reintegrate with society at a critical period, therefore increasing the chances of recidivism. Furthermore, the majority of sex crimes (95%) are committed by first time offenders. This innovative book is divided into two parts juxtaposing what is currently being done legislatively with what the research evidence suggests would be best practice.