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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Simon Hackett
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© The Author(s) 2025. This systematic review explores public views on the reintegration of men convicted of sexual offenses into the community. A search of eight databases produced 8,621 potential sources, and after screening 12 studies were included in the review. Papers were included if they used qualitative methods about the public’s views, attitudes, opinions, and/or perceptions on the reintegration of adult male sexual offenders from prison or secure care. The papers were then critically appraised and thematically synthesized. The findings highlighted four key themes: supervision, discrimination, livelihood, and interventions. Public perspectives of men convicted of a sexual offense reintegrating into the community were generally negative, fueled by media portrayals and misconceptions about the risk of reoffending. These views lead to support for stringent monitoring and restrictions, often at the expense of rehabilitation efforts. While some members of the public advocated for supportive reintegration programs, others emphasized punitive measures and expressed distrust in the effectiveness of rehabilitation. The review also highlights the significant impact of public stigma on the daily lives of offenders, particularly in relation to housing and community acceptance. The implications for future research, policy, and practice, including public education campaigns, community involvement, and enhanced support systems for reintegration, are discussed.
Author(s): Tuschick E, Portnoy S, Carthy N, Gair L, Hackett S, Wager N
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Trauma, Violence, and Abuse
Year: 2025
Pages: Epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 18/03/2025
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
ISSN (print): 1524-8380
ISSN (electronic): 1552-8324
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251325816
DOI: 10.1177/15248380251325816
