Sex offenders and confessions: How to overcome their resistance during questioning

Abstract

A confession, when properly and fairly obtained, is powerful evidence against a suspect and will generally guarantee a conviction. There are a number of theoretical models that explain why suspects confess to crimes they have committed. In this chapter, the key models and the relevant empirical evidence are discussed. The evidence shows that sex offenders, and particularly child molesters, sometimes have a strong need to talk about their crimes due to the feelings of guilt and this gives the police an advantage. However, sex offenders also find it difficult to be open, honest and complete when interrogated due to the feelings of shame, which act to inhibit their motivation to confess. They are therefore torn between feelings of guilt, which encourages them to confess, and feelings of shame, which inhibit them from confessing. As a consequence, feelings of shame need to be overcome during the interrogation, which means that sex offenders need to be interviewed sensitively and skilfully. Any challenges need to be presented in a ‘softly’ fashion and with understanding of the perpetrator’s perspective and emotional needs.