A gendered strength-based treatment model for female sexual offenders

Abstract Due to the relatively limited knowledge about female sexual offenders, treatment approaches and programs have been primarily based upon models developed for male perpetrators. Although male and female offenders share some common characteristics, there is increasing empirical evidence that many aspects of female sexual offending behaviors are separate and different from those of males. By integrating theoretical constructs from the current literature, this paper proposes a strength-based treatment approach utilizing a gendered paradigm of female sexual offending. In general, a gendered strength-based treatment model involves a collaborative process that builds upon positive skills and provides options to utilize those skills to fulfill unmet needs. This treatment process also considers the contextual nature of the female sexual offender's social functioning and the individual manifestations of her sexually assaultive behaviors.