What an abuser may experience psychologically while they are insulting, threatening or physically intimidating someone, there isn’t one universal emotional response. But certain patterns are commonly associated with abusive behaviour. Power and control: The immediate experience may be a sense of control—“I can make this person stop, submit, become frightened or do what I want.” A… Read More Anger and entitlement
One of the most difficult things to explain about abuse is how quickly it can change a person’s sense of themselves. It can happen in minutes. A person who was confident, capable and independent can suddenly find themselves frightened, confused, humiliated and desperately trying to make sense of what is happening. It isn’t because they… Read More How an Abuser Can Make You Feel Like Nothing
For years, whenever I went on holiday or out socially, I found myself watching other couples. Not in a judgemental way. I was fascinated. I noticed the softness in their faces when they looked at each other. The laughter. The casual touching. A hand resting gently on an arm. A kiss as they passed each… Read More When Affection Once Looked Alien
There are several evidence-based approaches to treating trauma. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of trauma, whether the danger has ended, the person’s symptoms, and whether the trauma was single-event or prolonged/complex. Main treatments for trauma Helps identify and change trauma-related thoughts, beliefs and behaviours. Often used for PTSD, anxiety and avoidance. Uses bilateral… Read More Main treatments for trauma
Trauma is not defined only by what happened; it also involves how the nervous system and mind respond to what happened. Different types of trauma Results from a single, overwhelming event. Examples: assault, serious accident, sudden bereavement, natural disaster, violent attack. Develops from repeated or ongoing exposure to threatening or harmful experiences. Examples: prolonged domestic… Read More Trauma is not defined only by what happened
Different types of abuse Hitting, kicking, punching or slapping Pushing, shaking or throwing someone Choking or strangulation Burning or causing injuries Using objects or weapons to hurt or threaten someone Preventing someone from leaving or physically restraining them Constant criticism, humiliation or insults Belittling someone or making them feel worthless Deliberately causing fear or distress… Read More Different types of abuse
Child sexual abuse is often imagined as being committed by a recognisable type of person: someone obviously disturbed, socially isolated, aggressive or visibly predatory. Research tells us something considerably more complicated. There is no single psychological profile, personality disorder or psychiatric diagnosis that identifies a child sexual abuser. People who sexually abuse children are a heterogeneous… Read More The Psychology of Child Sexual Abusers: What Research Actually Tells Us
The central finding is that child sexual offenders are a heterogeneous population. There is no single psychological or personality profile that identifies a child sexual abuser. A major review of the literature specifically concludes that existing typologies have useful descriptive value but also significant methodological limitations. 1. Groth’s typology — early motivational model Groth’s work was… Read More Research-based typologies of people who sexually abuse children
1. Fixated / preferential offenders These individuals have a persistent sexual interest in children or adolescents. Their behaviour may involve grooming, developing relationships with children, seeking situations that provide access, or repeatedly offending. The classic Groth, Longo & McFadin typology distinguished offenders partly by their underlying motivation and relationship to children. Later research has criticised simple typologies… Read More Major research-based typologies
Trait/disorder What is seen in some offenders Antisocial traits / ASPD More common among some sexual offenders, particularly those with broader criminal and aggressive behaviour Narcissistic traits Entitlement, need for admiration, lack of empathy and exploitation can occur, but narcissism alone does not predict child sexual abuse Psychopathic traits Particularly relevant to offenders who are manipulative, callous,… Read More What is seen in some offenders
