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Access to non-violent pornography in a secure forensic hospital

Thomas Nally (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK)
Jane L. Ireland (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK)
Kimberley McNeill (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK)
Philip Birch (Centre for Law and Justice, Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, Australia)
Carol A. Ireland (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK)

The Journal of Forensic Practice

ISSN: 2050-8794

Article publication date: 8 July 2021

Issue publication date: 27 July 2021

571

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore non-violent pornography within secure hospital settings.

Design/methodology/approach

It includes a systematic review (n = 40 papers), followed by a qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews (n = 24, 6 patients and 18 staff) and staff focus groups (n = 22 staff).

Findings

The systematic review identified six themes, as follows: pornography is inconsistently defined, pornography exposure can increase general aggression, pornography exposure may increase the risk for sexual aggression, pornography exposure can increase aggression supportive beliefs, pornography exposure impacts negatively on those with a violent predisposition and pornography is educational for men not identifying as heterosexual. The semi-structured interviews and focus groups revealed four themes as follows: staff members hold diverse beliefs about pornographic material, pornography is difficult to obtain and use for patients who do not identify as heterosexual, pornography is used for specific functions, and frequent exposure to pornography can have negative effects for staff members.

Practical implications

Trying to obtain consensus on the impacts of pornography on forensic patients is not possible; material access decisions should be on a case-by-case basis. Policy decisions should be based on fully represented views, including the LGBTI community. The impacts on staff of their occupational exposure to such material should be recognised and support provided. Clinical decision-making in this area should consider not only if access should be allowed but also how it can be managed safely, if at all. This includes for all those who could be exposed to such material, inadvertently or otherwise.

Originality/value

It addresses the under-researched area of patient access to pornography, capturing a poorly considered sample, namely, high secure psychiatric.

Keywords

Citation

Nally, T., Ireland, J.L., McNeill, K., Birch, P. and Ireland, C.A. (2021), "Access to non-violent pornography in a secure forensic hospital", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 175-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-03-2021-0012

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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