The demographic, mental health and offending characteristics of online child pornography offenders: a comparison with contact-only and dual sexual offenders

This data linkage research examined the demographic, mental health, and offending characteristics of a large cohort of Australian child pornography offenders (CPOs), in comparison to both child contact and dual sexual offenders (those with a history of both offence types). Results supported prior characterisations of CPOs as a distinct type of sexual offender who are primarily defined by low levels of antisocial behaviour and high levels of sexual deviance. Outcomes suggest that traditional criminal justice and therapeutic responses to sexual offending may not adequately address the risk management needs of CPOs, highlighting the need for further research in this area.