Circles of Support & Accountability: Involving the Community in Sexual Violence Prevention

This training provides an overview of the Circles of Support & Accountability (CoSA) model of community supervision and management of persons who have sexually abused. It provides a review of what does and doesn’t work in the implementation of this model. It offers critiques of other supervision and management approaches as well as an examination of how people desist from criminal behavior. Dr. Wilson will then discuss what is needed to begin implementing CoSAs. Finally, he will explore why CoSAs work and summarize the extant research on their effectiveness.

How Humanistic and Existential Approaches Can Improve Our Treatment of Male Sexuality and Men Who Abuse

This presentation begins with an overview of existential psychotherapy and the evolution of couples and sex therapies. It examines how men experience intimacy and how sexual dysfunction can result from trauma.
This is not a presentation on male anatomy, nor is it a workshop designed to teach clinicians how to improve the sex lives of their clients. Rather, the presentation focuses on the existential lives of men and how much of men’s concerns are communicated through the functioning of the penis.

How to Align Treatment Programs with Best Practices

This online training guides professionals working with adults in a community or residential setting who have committed a sexual offense through the process of assessing a program and making the necessary adjustments to ensure that the program offers top-quality services and a safe therapeutic environment. McGrath begins the training by reviewing the evidence for effective treatments by asking what works, with whom, using what interventions, in what settings, and for what outcomes. He then discusses best practice resources and strategies, providing a roadmap for program design decisions.

Bridging Divides: Dr. Alissa Ackerman Honored with the 2024 Gail Burns-Smith Award

Dr. Ackerman’s selection for the Gail Burns-Smith Award is a testament to her exceptional ability to unite people and build bridges across research, practice, and policy. Her work embodies the spirit of Gail Burns-Smith, who was one of the first advocates to recognize the importance of collaboration between victim advocates and those working in sex offender management.
As we celebrate Dr. Ackerman’s achievements, we recognize her as a true pioneer in the field of sexual violence prevention and treatment. Her dedication, courage, and innovative approaches continue to inspire and drive positive change in addressing one of society’s most challenging issues.

Diagnosing Paraphilias: Strategies and Considerations for Assessing Those Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses

During this training, Dr. Michael Miner, Emeritus Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, addresses the criteria and processes of diagnosing paraphilias and paraphilic disorders as described in the DSM-5-TR.  He covers historical and current definitions, clarifies the differences between paraphilias and disorders, focuses on pedophilia considerations, and guides attendees through diagnosing various paraphilias, such as sexual sadism and voyeurism, with insights on applying DSM-5-TR criteria effectively.