The rapidly evolving landscape of online sexual offending presents significant challenges for professionals working to prevent and address abuse. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, several key trends have emerged, including AI-generated abuse imagery, sophisticated online grooming, and an increase in self-generated sexual content. These developments require a deeper understanding and innovative approaches from psychologists and other professionals involved in addressing this issue.

In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Seto speaks about the main points that he has learned in researching online sexual offending, including:
- Current types of online offending
- How online offending has changed in recent years
- Characteristics of those who offend online
- Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers

During this 90-minute webinar, a panel of nationally recognized experts explores the principles of sex positivity and inclusivity in therapeutic contexts, advocating for a non-judgmental attitude toward mutually consenting sexual activities.

This discussion:
- Underscores the need for an individualized assessment and understanding of each client.
- Explores how and why a purely abstinence-based approach to the management of sexual urges and impulses is less likely to be effective.
- Provides an open dialogue about how “taboo” or “deviant” topics, paired with education and normalization, can help patients address and manage their risks more effectively.

By promoting sex positivity and inclusivity, clinicians can work towards reducing stigma and shame while still addressing potentially risky behaviors. In fact, the principles upheld by the kink community—communication, safety, and consent—offer valuable insights that can enhance these therapeutic interventions.

How much do we know about undetected sexual offending? This question remains a critical concern for practitioners, courts, and policymakers alike. In this webinar, Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw discuss their recent study on the influence of race on detected and undetected sexual offenses among individuals deemed to be at high risk of re-offense. Their research compares White and Black adult males, revealing significant findings pertinent to understanding the actual prevalence of sexual offenses. This study is relevant to those seeking to understand the true rate of sexual offending and its implications for justice and policy development.

Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw’s study is the second of a series aimed at understanding how to best account for undetected sexual offending—those that could have led to a criminal charge or conviction if detected—in risk assessments. Their earlier research findings led them to ask what could affect the detection rate, with racial differences being a focus. While existing studies and publications highlight disparities in victim reporting rates, policing practices, and judicial system responses for White versus Black men, questions remain about the differences in crimes, motivations, detection rates, and potential biases throughout the process.

Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw’s findings are as complex as they are helpful. Their discussion focuses on areas that include antisocial processes and offense-related sexual interests. After presenting their study and findings, they explore the implications for risk assessments and evaluators, offering valuable perspectives for professionals in the field.

Many experts have suggested that pedophilia and pedophilic disorder are poorly differentiated by the DSM-5-TR. This is partly supported by three independent studies showing that a diagnosis of pedophilia does not predict sexual offending against children. The stakes are high: Without diagnostic clarity, we can fail to intervene appropriately, thereby perpetuating risk to children. We can also cause harm to the wrong people by mislabeling them.

Ensuring the safety of our communities and the protection of children is a shared priority. However, we have a long way to go in ensuring best practices in diagnostic procedures. In this webinar, researcher and evaluator Robin J. Wilson joins David Prescott to discuss the challenges that professionals and clients face with this diagnosis.

In this webinar, Dr. Fontes provides an exploration of the tactics associated with coercive control. She examines various methods used, including isolation, intimidation, monitoring, and gaslighting, as well as forms of abuse such as verbal, financial, legal, and sexual abuse. By introducing attendees to these strategies, Dr. Fontes aims to help them effectively recognize and address the complex dynamics of domestic abuse and coercive control. This introductory discussion, hosted by David Prescott, serves as a foundational step toward building awareness among professionals.

Despite its proven effectiveness, journaling as a clinical practice with justice-involved clients does not always get the attention it deserves. Some clinicians remain ambivalent about its use, especially when they don’t see its benefits. Given that so many treatment programs are oriented towards helping clients take the perspective of others, improve their decision-making and other cognitive skills, and engage in self-reflection, it is clear that journaling has a role in improving treatment outcomes.

In this webinar, Dr. Janet DiGiorgio-Miller explores the potential of journaling in therapeutic settings, particularly for justice-involved clients. She covers several key aspects: Evidence base for journaling, Role of journaling in treatment, Practical implementation tips, Considerations for inpatient and prison settings