Young men with harmful sexual behaviour problems: a qualitative exploration of the nature and characteristics of their violence

There is a lack of exploratory data describing the offences and violent acts of young people with harmful sexual behaviour problems. Such research is necessary to provide realistic insight into the nature of this group and their behaviours; and to help to illustrate and inform practice with them. This study involved a thematic analysis of 111 case files of young men with sexual behaviour problems to analyse their violent actions. Seven violence-related themes were identified in the data. There was evidence that harmful sexual behaviours could sometimes last for considerable amounts of time before services intervened. As well as harmful sexual behaviours, services need to assess whether self-directed and more general forms of violence need to be targeted.