Abstract

Recently, reports of sexual offenses against children and youth are sharply increasing in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment programs for reducing recidivism of sexual offenses. In order to achieve this goal, this study first reviewed concepts and features about child molesters. Then, the reasons why therapeutic programs are needed were explained. Recidivism rates and treatment effects of sexual offenders were then carefully analyzed because they are regarded as critical indicators revealing the need for a treatment approach for sexual offenders. Lastly, therapeutic programs including drug treatment and cognitive-behavioral treatment were analyzed focusing on characteristics, procedures, theories and effectiveness of the programs.