Research on rehabilitation/reintegration of transgender sex offenders

[ArabellaScott]

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0306624X251366280

'Transgender individuals with previous convictions for sexual offenses are an under-researched yet growing population in the UK.'
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'Although small in number, the transgender population within the CLS appears to be increasing. This may reflect shifting societal attitudes toward gender diversity that enables individuals to express and disclose their transgender identity more openly (Schilt & Lagos, 2017). As of March 31, 2024, there were 295 transgender individuals in custody in England and Wales, comprising approximately 0.34% of the total prison population of 87,869 (Ministry of Justice [MoJ], 2024). Of these, 227 (77%) identified as transgender women, 49 (17%) as transgender men, and 11 (4%) as non-binary, with a small number identifying differently or not disclosing their gender identity. In terms of legal gender, 245 (83%) were legally male, and 50 (17%) legally female. Just 10 individuals held a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) and were excluded from the main transgender totals. Notably, the transgender prison population increased by 10% from 2023 to 2024, compared to a 4% increase in the overall prison population over the same period, suggesting a disproportionate rise (MoJ, 2024).'
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The conclusions are that transgender people should have their pronouns affirmed. The authors criticise services for being 'non inclusive', but the suggestion seems to be for 'private' spaces, rather than use of facilities/spaces for the opposite sex.

'Overall, our findings highlight the importance of gender-affirming, individualized approaches within Probation Services. Responsive and inclusive practices, informed by an understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population, are essential to supporting well-being, engagement, and rehabilitation'

Thanks @ArabellaScott I'm not going to say anything here you don't already know but...

A 10% rise in one year compared to 4% in the rest of the male population is shocking!

And we know from the prison stats on rates of sexual offending that trans identified males could be up to 5 times more likely to be in prison for sexual offenses.

Rehabilitation of these trans identified sex offenders? Hmm, we know that sexual offending is a type of crime with the highest rate of recidivism, I'm not confident that's going to work out the way they hope it will.

Edited to add, I don't think "gender affirming" care is going to help either!

Especially when you consider the judges that have given suspended sentences because a trans woman might have a harder time in prison than an ordinary male.

According to research in the UK, between 38% and 55% of transgender individuals have previously been diagnosed with a mental health problem (McNeil et al., 2012), compared to 17% in the general population (McManus et al., 2016)

They seem to try and blame this on society but use the phrase ‘previously diagnosed with a mental health problem’ which implies that the mental health problem was diagnosed prior to the trans identity coming forth.

They observe that sex offenders with a trans identity are a growing group. It would be interesting to examine the reasons for that.