Predictive Accuracy of Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender Version Risk and Change Scores in Treated Canadian Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Sexual Offenders

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Olver ◽  
Justina N. Sowden ◽  
Drew A. Kingston ◽  
Terry P. Nicholaichuk ◽  
Audrey Gordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Sexual Offender ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Offender Treatment ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Change Scores ◽  
Violent Recidivism ◽  
Risk Scale

The present study examined the predictive properties of Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender version (VRS-SO) risk and change scores among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal sexual offenders in a combined sample of 1,063 Canadian federally incarcerated men. All men participated in sexual offender treatment programming through the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) at sites across its five regions. The Static-99R was also examined for comparison purposes. In total, 393 of the men were identified as Aboriginal (i.e., First Nations, Métis, Circumpolar) while 670 were non-Aboriginal and primarily White. Aboriginal men scored significantly higher on the Static-99R and VRS-SO and had higher rates of sexual and violent recidivism; however, there were no significant differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups on treatment change with both groups demonstrating close to a half-standard deviation of change pre and post treatment. VRS-SO risk and change scores significantly predicted sexual and violent recidivism over fixed 5- and 10-year follow-ups for both racial/ancestral groups. Cox regression survival analyses also demonstrated positive treatment changes to be significantly associated with reductions in sexual and violent recidivism among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men after controlling baseline risk. A series of follow-up Cox regression analyses demonstrated that risk and change score information accounted for much of the observed differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men in rates of sexual recidivism; however, marked group differences persisted in rates of general violent recidivism even after controlling for these covariates. The results support the predictive properties of VRS-SO risk and change scores with treated Canadian Aboriginal sexual offenders.

Sexual offender treatment outcomes among psychopathy subtypes

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A. Sewall ◽  
Mark E. Olver
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Sexual Offender ◽  
Offender Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Disability ◽  
Sexual Offender Treatment ◽  
Treatment Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychopathy Checklist Revised ◽  
General Recidivism

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine sexual offender treatment responses as a function of psychopathy subtype. Design/methodology/approach Measures of sexual violence risk, treatment change and outcome variables were coded retrospectively on a sample of 86 high Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scoring sexual offenders. Psychopathy subtypes were identified through cluster analysis of PCL-R facet scores. Findings Two subtypes were identified labeled classic and aggressive. They were comparable in their level of risk and need and did not differ in rates of treatment completion or change. The aggressive subtype had higher rates of violent and general recidivism and higher frequencies of major mental disorder and cognitive disability. Results of Cox regression survival analysis demonstrated that treatment-related changes in risk were associated with reductions in violent recidivism for the aggressive, but not classic, psychopathy variant. Practical implications Psychopathy is a heterogeneous syndrome. Moreover, psychopathic offenders can demonstrate risk relevant treatment changes. PCL-R facet profiles have important responsivity implications. However, not all psychopathic offenders fare poorly in treatment. Originality/value This is one of very few studies to examine treatment response and links to outcome among psychopathic offenders, particularly as this relates to subtype.

scholarly journals Predictive Properties of the Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offense Version as a Function of Age

Assessment ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 107319112091440
Author(s):  
Mark E. Olver ◽  
Sarah M. Beggs Christofferson ◽  
Terry P. Nicholaichuk ◽  
Stephen C. P. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Sexual Offense ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Sexual Recidivism ◽  
Change Scores ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Risk Scale

The present study examined the discrimination and calibration properties of Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offense version (VRS-SO) risk and change scores for sexual and violent recidivism as a function of age at release, on a combined sample of 1,287 men who had attended sexual offense-specific treatment services. The key aim was to examine to what extent VRS-SO scores can accurately discriminate recidivists from nonrecidivists among older cohorts, and if the existing age-related adjustments in the instrument adequately correct for increasing age. VRS-SO risk and change scores showed consistent properties of discrimination for sexual recidivism across the age cohorts, via area under the curve and Cox regression survival analysis, as demonstrated through fixed effects meta-analysis. Calibration analyses, employing logistic regression, demonstrated that age at release was consistently incrementally predictive of violent, but not sexual, recidivism after controlling for individual differences on static and dynamic risk factors. E/O index analyses demonstrated that predicted rates of sexual recidivism from VRS-SO scores, particularly when employed with Static-99R, were not significantly different from those observed among age cohorts; however, calibration was weaker for general violence. Implications for use of the VRS-SO in sexual recidivism risk assessment with older offenders are discussed.

Construct Validity of the Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender Version Instrument in a Multisite Sample of Treated Sexual Offenders

Assessment ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Olver ◽  
Craig S. Neumann ◽  
Drew A. Kingston ◽  
Terry P. Nicholaichuk ◽  
Stephen C. P. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Sexual Offender ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Risk Scale ◽  
Three Factor

The present study examined the construct validity of the Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender version (VRS-SO) through an examination of its factor structure and convergence with psychological measures assessing conceptually relevant constructs in a sample of 732 treated incarcerated adult male sex offenders. The VRS-SO was rated prospectively pre- and posttreatment by service providers, and several of the men had completed a psychometric battery at each time point. Prospective Stable 2000 ratings were examined for comparison purposes. Results of exploratory longitudinal factor analysis, performed on VRS-SO pre- and posttreatment dynamic item scores, supported a three-factor model (comparative fit index = .990) and the measurement invariance of the loadings over time. A stringent longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis of the VRS-SO items also supported the three-factor structure. Scores from the three factors (Sexual Deviance, Criminality, and Treatment Responsivity) were correlated in conceptually meaningful ways with scores from the Stable 2000 and selected psychometric measures. The results provide evidence for the construct validity of VRS-SO test scores as providing an index of sex offender risk and, more specifically, that its item content and factor domains measure psychological constructs pertinent to sex offender risk and need.

Static and Dynamic Assessment of Violence Risk Among Discharged Forensic Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 923-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil R. Hogan ◽  
Mark E. Olver
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Change Scores ◽  
Forensic Patients ◽  
Violent Recidivism ◽  
Incremental Predictive Validity

This study evaluated the predictive validity of structured instruments for violent recidivism among a sample of 82 patients discharged from a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital. The incremental predictive validity of dynamic pre–post change scores was also assessed. Each of the Historical-Clinical-Risk Management-20 Version 3 (HCR-20V3), Psychopathy Checklist–Revised, Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability, Violence Risk Scale (VRS), and Violence Risk Appraisal Guide–Revised was rated based on institutional files. The study instruments significantly predicted community-based violent recidivism (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.68-0.85), even after controlling for time at risk using Cox regression survival analyses. Dynamic change scores computed from the HCR-20V3 Relevance ratings and from the VRS also demonstrated incremental predictive validity, controlling for baseline scores. The findings provided support for the use of the study instruments to assess violence risk and for the consideration of dynamic changes in risk—provided that valid means of assessment are employed.

Rape Treatment: An Overview of Current Knowledge

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Thakker ◽  
Theresa A. Gannon
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Sexual Offender ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Offender Treatment ◽  
Sexual Offender Treatment ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

AbstractSexual offending is frequently seen by the lay person as being a result of an innate abnormality that is relatively fixed and unchangeable. Accordingly, sexual offenders are seen as more likely to recidivate than other types of offenders. In fact, this is not the case, and most sexual offenders do not re-offend. Also, contemporary research has shown that treatment programs driven by cognitive behaviour therapy significantly reduce rates of sexual offender recidivism. Nevertheless, while there has been a great deal of research on the treatment of child sexual offenders, the treatment of rapists has received comparatively less attention. Thus, the main aim of this article is to summarise current knowledge of sexual offender treatment, paying specific attention to the needs of rapists. In particular, we pay attention to the content of sexual offender treatment programs, and the relevance of this content to rape. We also discuss therapeutic issues of relevance for rapist treatment that are typically ignored or underestimated in the research literature. Finally, based upon our analysis of the literature, we present a schematic overview of rape treatment and identify important areas for further research.

Assessing Dynamic Violence Risk in a High-Risk Treated Sample of Violent Offenders

Assessment ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1886-1900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. A. Coupland ◽  
Mark E. Olver
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Violent Offenders ◽  
Violence Risk ◽  
Violence Risk Assessment ◽  
Change Scores ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
General Community

The present study featured an investigation of the predictive properties of risk and change scores of two violence risk assessment and treatment planning tools—the Violence Risk Scale (VRS) and the Historical, Clinical, Risk–20, Version 2 (HCR-20)—in sample of 178 treated adult male violent offenders who attended a high-intensity violence reduction program. The cases were rated on the VRS and HCR-20 using archival information sources and followed up nearly 10 years postrelease. Associations of HCR-20 and VRS risk and change scores with postprogram institutional and community recidivism were examined. VRS and HCR-20 scores converged in conceptually meaningful ways, supporting the construct validity of the tools for violence risk. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated moderate- to high-predictive accuracy of VRS and HCR-20 scores for violent and general community recidivism, but weaker accuracy for postprogram institutional recidivism. Cox regression survival analyses demonstrated that positive pretreatment and posttreatment changes, as assessed via the HCR-20 and VRS, were each significantly associated with reductions in violent and general community recidivism, as well as serious institutional misconducts, after controlling for baseline pretreatment score. Implications for use of the HCR-20 and VRS for dynamic violence risk assessment and management are discussed.

Primer on the Contribution of Crime Scene Behavior to the Forensic Assessment of Sexual Offenders

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. B. Lehmann ◽  
Klaus-Peter Dahle ◽  
Alexander F. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Sexual Offender ◽  
Crime Scene ◽  
Forensic Assessment ◽  
Risk Indicators ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Offender Treatment ◽  
Scene Information

Abstract. Over the last decades several attempts in developing incrementally valid risk indicators above and beyond standard actuarial and dynamic risk assessment instruments have been undertaken without much success. The current review will summarize current developments regarding the validity of detailed crime scene analysis for forensic assessments of sexual offenders. To this end, this overview will focus on two issues: First, we will discuss the issue of sexual offender risk assessment based on crime scene information. Second, we will outline how crime scene behavior contributes to the assessment of sexual interest in children. In each section we will introduce the reader to new approaches and instruments for risk assessment and diagnosing pedophilic sexual interest based on crime scene information, respectively, and discuss their validity. Finally, we will discuss the implications of these recent developments for risk assessment, risk management, offender treatment, and future research.

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