SOMAPI Research brief

Introduction The etiology of adult sexual offending refers to the origins or causes of sexually abusive behavior, including the pathways that are associated with the behavior’s development, onset, and maintenance. Knowledge about the etiology of sexual offending is important for several reasons. First, the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies is contingent on having credible knowledge about the underlying causes of sexual offending and victimization. Second, knowledge about causes can help sex offender management professionals manage and mitigate risk more effectively. Third, etiological information can inform decisionmaking at the policy level, whether the focus is on sentencing, oversight in the community, civil commitment, or any other response to sexual offending.