Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Beyond Circles of Support: "Fearless"-An Open Peer-to-Peer Mutual Support Group for Sex Offense Registrants and Their
Lisa L Sample1, Brooke N Cooley2, Tusty Ten Bensel2
11 University of Nebraska Omaha, USA.
Abstract:
The term sex offender carries expectations that include a continuous level of sexual criminal risk and untreatable mental health conditions that govern sex offending behaviors. These role expectations by the public can socially isolate individuals who have been convicted of a crime and the people who love them. This is likely to contribute to negative self-images that can result in loneliness, isolation, and depression, and, subsequently, contribute to discontinuing support for sex offender's loved ones and reoffending. This article highlights the creation and maintenance of a peer-to-peer social support group for registered sex offenders and their family members that helps combat the effects of "sex offender" labels. This group differs from formal organized circles of support model and traditional self-help groups such as Alcohol (AA) or Narcotic (NA) Anonymous. We review this group's creation, processes and procedures, and outcomes, including changes in cognition, mood, and affect over time for members in the group.
Related Concept Videos
Sex Linked Disorders
Healthcare Agencies I
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

