Aims: This thesis aimed to better understand the lived experiences of family members
of individuals charged with cyber-enabled sexual offences (CESO). This explored the
impact of the crime and its consequences on their subjective wellbeing. In addition, it
investigated how family members made sense of this experience and how this
translated to attempts to reconcile their view of themselves and repair their
relationships with the other. This analysis was informed by an understanding of
‘desistance’ processes by which individuals move away from sexual offending.
Methods: A systematic mixed-studies review was conducted on the topic of desistance
from sexual offending. This included n = 16 qualitative studies and n = 10 quantitative
studies. The evidence was analysed using a ‘best-fit’ framework synthesis, drawing
from the ‘Integrated Theory of Desistance from Sexual Offending (ITDSO)’. A
qualitative study was also conducted, interviewing n = 13 family members of
individuals charged with CESO. This included romantic partners, parents and adult
siblings. The narratives were analysed using a Multiperspectival Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: The review provided support for the ITDSO, whilst proposing amendments
to further capture the complexity and unique considerations for those charged with
sexual offences. These adaptations included hypothesised pathways of desistance and
an understanding of the means by which desistance is promoted. The importance of
social connection, forgiveness and belonging was emphasised, as well as barriers to
re-entry and re-integration. Family member narratives provided main themes of ‘loss’,
‘cast out’, ‘silenced’ and ‘reconciliation’. Related themes of stigma, shame and trauma
were pervasive throughout these.
Conclusions: Societal perceptions and stigma of sexual offending shames individuals,
preventing acquisition of goods that help to promote desistance or aid reintegration.
This is true both for those convicted of crimes and individuals associated with them.
Understanding reasons for the behaviour facilitates shifts towards prosocial identities
and encourages forgiveness and reconciliation from those in their wider systems
