The experiences of people with intellectual disabilities who have been convicted of sexual offences of being recalled back to prison

Abstract

Purpose This study provides further insight into the experiences of five men who have committed sexual offences, with intellectual disabilities and have been recalled back to prison. The purpose of this paper is to increase professional knowledge to assist with improving working practices that support the reintegration of individuals convicted of sexual offences and with intellectual disabilities, back into the community. Design/methodology/approach Interview data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, to identify the key issues associated with criminal justice services. Findings The following superordinate themes were identified: “The label that sticks” and “Probation officer dependency”. Research limitations/implications The key implications of the findings were the high level of dependency individuals had on their probation officers and the impact that this relationship had on the overall experience of recall. The stigma of the label “sex offender” was also found to have a profound impact on individuals’ feelings of safety and their future progression. Originality/value Research exploring the experiences of individuals convicted for sexual offences and with intellectual disabilities, being recalled back to prison, is limited. Future recommendations of how practice could be improved to better support responsivity needs of this group and to create a more positive self-identity are discussed.