7. How to assess and treat women who sexually abuse children

Training is aimed at those working with female offenders. It is informed by research and experience of running our own assessment and treatment programme for women who sexually abuse children. It can be tailored to suit different needs and levels of expertise.

Course overview

This training is tailor-made to suit the learning and contextual needs of the participants. Typical training content includes:

Research-based Assessment

• Assessing women using our assessment protocol
  
  
• Risk pointers in combination
  
  
• Similarities and differences between female and male offenders: what the research tells us
  
  
• Definitions of abuse by women
  
  
• Effects of the women's beliefs, attitudes and behaviours on their victims

Intervention programmes: content and delivery style

• Setting the scene for intervention: the ethos for therapy and for child protection
  
  
• Identifying patterns of offending
  
  
• Identifying the needs met by offending, what generated them and how they can be met in non-abusive ways
  
  
• Managing negative emotions
  
  
• Dealing with distorted cognitions and beliefs about children and self
  
  
• Developing empathy for their victims
  
  
• Managing fantasy
  
  
• Identifying emotional and physical risk factors and matching coping mechanisms which work fast and effectively
  
  
• Developing positive abuse free 'New Lives': use of external monitors, testing relapse prevention plans in practice

Course aims

Clear learning objectives are identified for each module in line with the agreed content. Where progressive modular training is commissioned, tasks are set for completion between blocks to enhance learning and skills practice.

For further information and to discuss your individual needs please contact the Training Co-ordinator on 01527 591922 or email: training@lucyfaithfull.org.uk