Risk assessment of convicted child pornography offenders in Iceland 2000-2017

• Main Author: Henrietta Ósk Gunnarsdóttir 1984-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn í Reykjavík
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Klínisk sálfræði; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Barnaklám; Áhættugreining; Clinical psychology; Child pornography; Risk assessment; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/32926

The number of convicted Child pornography (CP) offenders has increased in the last decade, yet less is known about CP offending than other types of sexual offenses against children. To decrease the likelihood of further sexual offending it is important to gain information on observed risk to better plan offender’s treatment and supervision. In this pilot study the aim was to identify a sample of convicted CP offenders and test the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT). It was hypothesised that the mean CPORT score in the Icelandic sample would be compatible with CPORT scores in other studies. It was also hypothesised that recidivism rates of CP offenders are low in general. The third hypothesis states that CP offenders who also have a conviction for contact child sexual offences (CS) have higher rates of recidivism than those who have been convicted of a CP offence exclusively. A sample of 119 convicted CP offenders were coded in relation to their offending histories both prior to and after their index CP sentence. Each CP offence was assessed with CPORT. Results demonstrate low CPORT scores (M =1.79, SD = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.58-1.99, range 0-5) and coherent to CPORT scores in other samples. CPORT scores are significantly higher for offenders with CS offences (n =44, M =2.68, SD =1.00, p = .001). The likelihood of CP reoffending is low, yet the odds increase with higher CPORT scores. These results will guide further research and how supervision and treatment is arranged. Keywords: Child pornography, risk assessment, CPORT, recidivism