A Critical Analysis of What Works for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Sexual and Violent Offenders:

A Review of Practitioners’ Approaches.

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/dcip823

Keywords:

Desistance, Recidivism, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Stigmatisation, Technology Facilitated Violence, sexual offenders

Abstract

This article sets out the professional opinions of criminal justice practitioners on what works for the rehabilitation and reintegration of sexual and violent offenders. This primary study utilises a qualitative method informed through ten semi-structured interviews with practitioners in the field of rehabilitation and reintegration. The findings foreground barriers that hinder and aid the rehabilitation and reintegration of sexual and violent offenders such as, doxing, social media vigilantism, and the impact of it. As a result, the findings build on current understandings of the barriers facing individuals who have committed such offences, and what practitioners would deem to be a positive social change in the development of rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives.

Author Biographies

Keeley Davidson, University of Sunderland

Keeley Davidson graduated with a first-class honours BSc in Criminology from the University of Sunderland and is currently studying for an MSc Leadership in Criminal Justice and Policing with the hope of pursuing a PhD. Keeley also has professional experience in criminal justice practice. Her research interests lie in the realm of rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.

Angela Wilcock, University of Sunderland

Dr Angela Wilcock is a senior lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sunderland and has a professional background with vast experience in front-line service provision in various criminal justice settings. Angela’s academic research is focused on the inequalities experienced by marginalised groups.

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Published

20-06-2025

How to Cite

Davidson, K., & Wilcock, A. (2025). A Critical Analysis of What Works for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Sexual and Violent Offenders: : A Review of Practitioners’ Approaches. (De)constructing Criminology: International Perspectives , 1(2), 37–75. https://doi.org/10.29173/dcip823