Restraining/protection order imposed because of physical violence

Restraining/protection order imposed because of physical violence, and the person then broke that order, that is potentially a significant criminal matter in both Spain and the UK. The exact offence and maximum penalty depend on the type of order and the circumstances. 🇪🇸 Spain In Spain, breaching a judicial restraining order can constitute quebrantamiento de condena under… Read More Restraining/protection order imposed because of physical violence

What does “moral turpitude” mean?

Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT) is a legal term, most commonly encountered in U.S. immigration law, although the concept can also arise in professional licensing and other legal contexts. It does not simply mean that a person has behaved badly or immorally. What does “moral turpitude” mean? In U.S. immigration law, the term has no single statutory definition. Case… Read More What does “moral turpitude” mean?

The important difference

Behaviour What it means What happens to the other person’s suffering? Example Ordinary cruelty Deliberately causing pain, humiliation or distress, or showing a serious disregard for another person’s suffering The suffering is known but disregarded Knowing someone is already distressed and deliberately saying something designed to hurt or humiliate them Bullying Repeated behaviour intended to intimidate,… Read More The important difference

Cruelty, sadism and moral disengagement are not the same thing

Concept What it means Relationship to another person’s suffering Cruelty Deliberately causing or allowing suffering, pain, humiliation or distress The suffering is knowingly inflicted or disregarded Sadism Deriving gratification, pleasure or satisfaction from another person’s suffering or humiliation The suffering itself can become rewarding Moral disengagement Psychological processes that allow someone to harm or exploit… Read More Cruelty, sadism and moral disengagement are not the same thing

The Psychology of Child Sexual Abusers: What Research Actually Tells Us

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

Major research-based typologies

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

What is seen in some offenders

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

Within Europe, the position is:

Country Disclosure Scheme Public Statistics Available England & Wales ✅ Clare’s Law (2014) Yes – annual national statistics published.  Scotland ✅ Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (2015) Yes – Police Scotland publishes application and disclosure figures.  Northern Ireland ✅ Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (2018) Limited public statistics.  Republic of Ireland ❌ No… Read More Within Europe, the position is: