CSOM Long Version: Section 5 1

Learning Objectives

Identify eleven areas for personal strategy development; and

Develop a plan of action.

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 2

Practical Strategy AreasDesensitizationMaintaining control of interactionsInitial interviewingHandling denialBeing prepared for what to expectManaging intrafamilial cases

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 3

Practical Strategy Areas (cont.)

Case work in various settingsEliciting cooperationDealing with lapsesTestifying in courtPreventing and dealing with

secondary trauma

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 4

Desensitization

FamiliarizationNeutral tone and demeanorSeek an outlet to discuss issues

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 5

Maintaining Control of Interactions

Establish competence and knowledge

Establish purpose of the visit

Use neutral tone of voice

Establish and maintain standards

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 6

Maintaining Control of Interactions (cont.)

Establish that team communication occurs

Set and maintain boundariesRemember that you can be deceived

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 7

Initial Interviewing

Take controlStress honestyTake general

historyDispel sex

offender myths

Take sex and sex offense history

Allow face savingPlan for the

future

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 8

Types of DenialDenial that event took placeDenial that offender intended to

commit the offenseDenial that offender is fully

responsible--victim’s faultDenial of other deviant behaviorsDenial of any harm done to victim

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 9

Strategies and Techniques to Handle Denial in an Initial Interview

Interview collaterals separately

Don’t tip your handDevelop a “yes set”Ignore untruthful

answers

Repeat questionsPlace denial

burden on offender

Use successive approximations

Alternate support and confrontation

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 10

Strategies and Techniques to Handle Denial in an Initial Interview (cont.)

Allow some rationalizationUse behavioral descriptorsEmphasize “What happened?” (vs.

why)Avoid multiple questionsAsk rapid fire questionsFrame disclosure as positive

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 11

Interview Strategies and Techniques to Handle Denial--Ongoing

Confront each instance of denialConfront thinking errors

consistentlyDo not allow shifting of

responsibility

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 12

Be Prepared for these Behaviors

IntimidationEmotional outburstsManipulationCreative interpretation of conditions

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 13

Families with Child Sexual AbuseChallenges

Complicated family dynamics Families need education, specialized

treatment Provide offenders with victim access

Parent-Child Incest Non-offending PartnersExtended Family Incest

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 14

Effective Office ContactsReview homework and treatment

goalsReview current sexual fantasies and

practicesDiscuss work in groupDiscuss high risk situations, SUDs,

coping techniques

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 15

Effective Office Contacts (cont.)

Evaluate changes in denialAssess movement through cycleConfront thinking errors and denialReview financial concerns

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 16

Effective Field ContactsAssess neighborhood

Assess financial status

Assess family interaction

Assess friends and associates

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 17

Effective Home Contacts

Toys, games, dolls Pornography, satellite/cable TV, InternetPets Camera equipment/photosPersonal articles from inappropriate

guests

Risk factors can include:

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 18

Eliciting the Cooperation of OffendersBe clear about expectationsBe clear about rolesBe matter of fact about offense and

offense cycleEmphasize benefits of cooperationEmphasize costs of failure

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 19

Dealing with LapsesExpect themRespond ASAP to each Take into account:

seriousness of lapse danger posed by offender how offender responded how officer learned of lapse

Impose sanctions/modify case plan

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 20

Testifying in Court

PrepareRemember that you are a supervision

expertDress appropriatelyRemain objective

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 21

Testifying in Court (cont.)

Use clear, understandable language

Be brief and accurate

Be alert--correct any errors in

summarization of your testimony

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 22

What is Secondary Trauma?

The emotional and psychological effects experienced through vicarious exposure to the details of the traumatic experiences of others.

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 23

Effects of Secondary Trauma--Dealing with Sex Offenders Can:

Distort perceptions of normal behavior;Be emotionally draining and difficult;Violate our sense of how people should

be treated;Create distrust of others; andMake us feel weighed down by

responsibility

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 24

Signs of Secondary TraumaFeeling distrustful of othersFeeling overly responsible for

community safety Overusing coping skillsFeeling isolatedDenying our own needsExperiencing relationship problems

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 25

What an Agency Can Do to Mitigate Secondary TraumaProvide supportProvide specific trainingTrain managementEstablish clear boundaries regarding

powerProvide a safe forum for discussionMake it ok to laughOffender’s failure is not officer’s failure

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 26

What an Agency Can Do to Mitigate Secondary Trauma (cont.)

Stay abreast of changesProvide forum for resolving conflictCreate flexibility in assignmentsCreate team-based decision makingMaintain clear work boundaries and

policiesEncourage balanced lives

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 27

What an Individual Can Do to Mitigate Secondary TraumaListen to feedback from colleagues,

family, friendsTake care of yourself

Create a self-care list Be creative Get away Get outside

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 28

What an Individual Can Do to Mitigate Secondary Trauma (cont.)

Enjoy other environments Appreciate the weather Have fun Socialize Seek counseling if needed

CSOM Long Version: Section 5 29

Center for Sex Offender Management

www.csom.orgaskcsom@csom.org