Family Lovemap, intimacies, and Sexually Related Abuse Risk Variables
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically anchored, practical clinical approach that simultaneously considers risk factors for the individual and family, when assessing sexually abusive individuals of all ages and genders.
Design/methodology/approach
Identified were specific, empirically based variables on sizable validation and cross-validation samples (i.e. combined total of over 2,000 male and female youth, ages 4-19) that were directly related to risk for coarse sexual improprieties and/or sexually abusive behaviors.
Findings
Clinical considerations are offered regarding developmental domains not often considered and/or studied when working with sexually abusive individuals of all ages and genders. That is, attention is focussed on incorporating assessment of sexual development, erotic development, and romantic development and interventions to decrease intimacy deficits and thus improve skills in relationships. Specific strategies for utilizing the approach in assessment and treatment are described.
Practical implications
Overall the paper synthesizes the importance of the individual and family history with regard to those elements related to family history, sexual abuse, and intimacy deficits. The paper provides clinical, practice application with regard to assessment and risk variables in sexual abuse cases.
Originality/value
The manuscript introduces an original concept, the Family Lovemap with empirical data to support its underpinnings. The overall family system is viewed as a living sexual organism with its history that formulates the individual's unique Family Lovemap. The family is seen as a changing and evolving psycho-sexual system. Discussed is the impact of Family Lovemap onto the individual, providing an avenue of consideration in assessment and treatment, specifically, with issues related to bonding, attachment, and sexual development. On a broader scope, it offers more a “collective view” of a sexually abusive individual when doing a risk assessment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The MEGA validation and cross-validation research was self-funded by the author, with the exception of a $2,000 research grant from the California Coalition on Sexual Offending that was used to help fund the statistical analysis expenditures for the cross-validation study. The erotic development study was self-funded by the author.
Citation
Miccio-Fonseca, L.C. (2014), "Family Lovemap, intimacies, and Sexually Related Abuse Risk Variables", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-03-2013-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited