A treatment strategy for sex offenders in Japan

Examining the crime statistics for Japan [1], we see that while the number of criminal arrests has been declining since 2003, sex offenses are on the rise. Recidivism rates are also high for sex offenders (27.7% for rape and 32.3% for sexual battery) [2,3], so there are efforts to prevent repeat offenses in Japan. Although sex offenses are often committed by people with intellectual disabilities, nearly all rehabilitation programs are designed for individuals with no such disabilities [4], and there is insufficient treatment and support for offenders as they reenter society. We therefore developed a rehabilitation program that can also be used with sex offenders that have intellectual and mental disabilities.


Introduction
Examining the crime statistics for Japan [1], we see that while the number of criminal arrests has been declining since 2003, sex offenses are on the rise. Recidivism rates are also high for sex offenders (27.7% for rape and 32.3% for sexual battery) [2,3], so there are efforts to prevent repeat offenses in Japan. Although sex offenses are often committed by people with intellectual disabilities, nearly all rehabilitation programs are designed for individuals with no such disabilities [4], and there is insufficient treatment and support for offenders as they reenter society. We therefore developed a rehabilitation program that can also be used with sex offenders that have intellectual and mental disabilities.

Characteristics of rehabilitation programs for sex offenders in Japan
Treatment for sex offenders is centered on methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and relapse prevention [5,6], which have been shown to be effective [7,8]. Developed in United Kingdom, Sex Offender Treatment Services Collaborative-Intellectual Disabilities : SOTSEC-ID [9], is a treatment model aimed those with intellectual disabilities who are at high risk for committing sex offenses; the effectiveness of that model has also been reported [10]. We referenced the SOTSEC-ID model while developing Sex Offender Preventive Intervention and Re-integrative Treatment Schema : SPIRiTS: [11], a support program suited to the environment and needs of Japan. SPIRiTS is based on the seven pillars indicated in Figure 1 and consists of 20 two-hour sessions. An important feature of SPIRiTS is that it can be implemented by the social workers who support local communities, not just by experts in psychology or sex-offender rehabilitation.
Specifically, the program incorporates general sex education in its early stages. That is because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have an insufficient or erroneous understanding of sex. This problem is exacerbated in Japan, where an extreme aversion to topics of a sexual nature prevents a correct understanding of sex from being conveyed. SPIRiTS also includes tools for evaluating a person's sexual preferences and lack of understanding, allowing the factors (needs) that can lead to sex offenses to be determined on an individual basis [12]. In order to encourage the reentry of offenders to society, it contains Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy: MBCT [13] for distracting the mind from sexual urges and replacing them with thoughtful consideration as well as elements of the Good Lives Model [14,15] that match concrete rehabilitation plans.

From a judicial perspective to one of general clinical psychology
Performing a detailed assessment of an individual's criminal risks and providing tangible assistance toward their daily lives-in other words, helping them "live easier"-is a critical component of treating and supporting sex offenders. It is also useful for offenders to acquire specific skills by utilizing behavioral therapy that helps them control their actions when they are experiencing increased sexual urges.
We implemented the SPIRiTS program on 6 sex offenders. The program incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy that separates thought (understanding), emotion, and behavior from one other to break the vicious cycle and relaxation therapy. At first, there was concern that cognitive-behavioral therapy would be difficult for people with intellectual disabilities, but the response to workbooks that contained many illustrations and role-playing exercises was favorable. Some members of the treatment program improved their personal relationships with others through the relaxation therapy and reported that they even received positive evaluations at work. In our research results, all participants scored higher on the happiness scale and exhibited improvements in self-respect.

Conclusion
When people break the law, they receive punishment. They must not only face their crimes but confront their personal weak points as well. The most important thing for overcoming those weak points, however, is the question of how to best utilize their individual strengths. All treatment is built on a foundation of trust and security. It is our challenge now to prevent repeat offenses and to reintegrate offenders into society rather than to exclude them.