Providing Treatment in a Prison-Based Therapeutic Community for Those Who Have Committed Sexual Offences

• Author: Geraldine Akerman
• Published date: 01 September 2021
• DOI: 10.1177/0306624X17752275
• Date: 01 September 2021
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X17752275

International Journal of

Offender Therapy and

Comparative Criminology

2021, Vol. 65(12) 1267 –1281

© The Author(s) 2018

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DOI: 10.1177/0306624X17752275

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Article

Providing Treatment in a

Prison-Based Therapeutic

Community for Those Who

Have Committed Sexual

Offences

Geraldine Akerman1

Abstract

This article explores some of the difficulties inherent in managing risk in those who

have committed sexual or other violent offences and how this may impact on their

ability to re-integrate into the community. It discusses the work undertaken at HMP

Grendon, a prison-based therapeutic community (TC), to address these difficulties

and help residents develop a pro-social lifestyle starting in custody and continuing

on release. The article aims to describe how the TC model offers a containing and

adaptive environment, and how this can provide opportunities to address offence-

related behaviour, which is not always possible in other prison settings. Furthermore,

it describes some of the difficulties inherent in undertaking work of this nature, in

the need for an accurate understanding of the relevant areas of risk, and the tensions

developing a therapeutic relationship with individuals with complex needs. Methods

of assessment of risk and need are discussed, and how they are used in a collaborative

manner to have the most accurate picture of what will help residents to maintain

their pro-social lifestyle on release.

Keywords

therapeutic communities, men who have committed sexual offences, reintegration,

good lives, HMP Grendon

1HMP Grendon, Grendon Underwood, Aylesbury, UK

Corresponding Author:

Geraldine Akerman, C. Forensic Psychol. HCHP Registered Psychol., Therapy Manager HMP Grendon,

Grendon Underwood, Aylesbury, Bucks HP180TL, UK.

Email: Geraldine.akerman01@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

752275IJOXXX10.1177/0306624X17752275International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative CriminologyAkerman

research-article2018