Donald J. West

Bio: Donald J. West is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Homosexuality & Adultery. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 28 citations.

Sex Offenses and Offending

Abstract: The extent to which the law should concern itself with the regulation of consensual sexual activities is a subject of continuing controversy. Dramatic differences exist between countries in regard to law and practice concerning abortion, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, pornography, and the age of consent. In many countries the numbers of reported sex offenses and prosecuted sex offenses have decreased in recent years, most noticeably for crimes, such as consensual sexual intercourse with underage girls, where there is no complaining victim. Consensual acts account for a substantial proportion of recorded sex crimes. In England and the United States, however, there has been a significant increase in the minority of serious, assaultive sex crimes, notably forcible rape. Children and young persons are involved as participants or victims in a high proportion of sex offenses. Studies of offenders point to the existence of subgroups with very different characteristics. Many offenders, once caught, are ne...

The Characteristics of Persistent Sexual Offenders: A Meta-Analysis of Recidivism Studies.

Abstract: A meta-analysis of 82 recidivism studies (1,620 findings from 29,450 sexual offenders) identified deviant sexual preferences and antisocial orientation as the major predictors of sexual recidivism for both adult and adolescent sexual offenders. Antisocial orientation was the major predictor of violent recidivism and general (any) recidivism. The review also identified some dynamic risk factors that have the potential of being useful treatment targets (e.g., sexual preoccupations, general self-regulation problems). Many of the variables commonly addressed in sex offender treatment programs (e.g., psychological distress, denial of sex crime, victim empathy, stated motivation for treatment) had little or no relationship with sexual or violent recidivism.

Predictors of desistance among sex offenders: The interaction of formal and informal social controls

Abstract: Increasing attention is being given to the issue of desistance or cessation in adult criminal careers. We contribute to this research by considering how informal and formal social controls affect recidivism among 556 sex offenders placed on probation in 1992. We conduct an event history analysis of reoffense, based on the predictions of Sampson and Laub's and Gottfredson and Hirschi's control theories. We build on these perspectives by examining how informal social controls condition the effects of formal social controls generally and across offense types. We find less recidivism among offenders with stable job histories, particularly among those in court-ordered sex offender treatment. The results add both to theoretical formulations concerning desistance and recidivism and to policy formulations directed at growing prison populations.

Interviewing in a difficult situation: "Riding the bull at Gilley's": Convicted rapists describe the rewards of rape.

Abstract: In this paper we argue that the popular image of rape, a nonutilitarian act committed by a few "sick" men, is too limited a view of sexual violence because it excludes culture and social structure as pre-disposing factors. Our data come from interviews with 114 convicted, incarcerated rapists. Looking at rape from the perspective of rapists, we attempt to discover the function of sexual violence in their lives; what their behavior gained for them in a society seeming prone to rape. Our analysis reveals that a number of rapists used sexual violence as a method of revenge and/or punishment while others used it as a means of gaining access to unwilling or unavailable women. In some cases, rape was just a bonus added to burglary or robbery. Rape was also a recreational activity and described as an "adventure" and an "exciting" form of impersonal sex which gained the offender power over his victim(s).

“Riding the Bull at Gilley's”: Convicted Rapists Describe the Rewards of Rape

Abstract: In this paper we argue that the popular image of rape, a nonutilitarian act committed by a few "sick" men, is too limited a view of sexual violence because it excludes culture and social structure as pre-disposing factors. Our data come from interviews with 114 convicted, incarcerated rapists. Looking at rape from the perspective of rapists, we attempt to discover the function of sexual violence in their lives; what their behavior gained for them in a society seeming prone to rape. Our analysis reveals that a number of rapists used sexual violence as a method of revenge and/or punishment while others used it as a means of gaining access to unwilling or unavailable women. In some cases, rape was just a bonus added to burglary or robbery. Rape was also a recreational activity and described as an "adventure" and an "exciting" form of impersonal sex which gained the offender power over his victim(s).

Do criminal offenders specialize in crime types

Abstract: A common misconception exists that criminal offenders specialize in types of crime, such as serial murders, domestic violence, and sex offenses. This article explores the research on specialization in general criminal offenders, domestic violence offenders, and sex offenders. This review finds that although there are a few specialists, the majority of criminal offenders are generalists who exhibit wide versatility in offending. The implications for legal and mental health policies are discussed.