Sex Offenders and the Internet

"A highly commendable text." (The Howard Journal, December 2009)

"This book is a very welcome addition … .An interesting and thought-provoking read and of value to all practitioners working with this population. It also sets the agenda for future research." (Applied Cognitive Psychology, December 2008)

On the Internet, the opportunity to commit crime is never more than three or four clicks away.’

Demetrion and Silke, from the Introduction to this volume

In this pioneering text the nature of Internet sex offenders is explored in order to help practitioners to understand and treat this new category of sexual offender.

Kerry Sheldon and Dennis Howitt examine the research base on Internet sexual offenders by reviewing case studies and psychological profiles, with a particular focus on paedophilic sex offenders. The result is a book that comprehensively details the nature of Internet sex offenders, bringing together the relevant research into one essential volume.

Sex Offenders and the Internet covers key issues and concerns, including:

• Issues of child pornography – social, historical, legal and psychological.
• The development of paedophilia and the often unheard ‘excuses’ – abuse, attachment difficulties, fantasy and delusion.
• Helping practitioners to move forwards – what to do?

This text is essential reading for forensic psychologists, probation officers, police officers, MSc level students in forensic psychology as well as criminologists.