title: The characteristics of and risk factors associated with incarcerated sex offenders in Taiwan.
abstract: This article presents the demographic characteristics of a sample of Taiwanese sex offenders, examines the rate of sexual recidivism in Taiwan, and describes which factors distinguish recidivists from non-recidivists. This article assesses the recidivism rate of a sample of 503 male sex offenders incarcerated from 1999 to 2004. The sample is divided into two groups: non-recidivists (88.7%) and recidivists (11.3%). The variables are categorized into demographic characteristics, criminal history, interpersonal relationships, and offending behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggests that recidivism is significantly related to male victims, poor interactions with employers, verbal control (i.e., threats to or verbal control of victims), weapon control (threatening or controlling victims with weapons), and familiarity with victims. Furthermore, this article will establish a database for demographic characteristics and associated risk factors related to recidivism in incarcerated sex offenders in Taiwan. These data will be useful for preventing future sex crimes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Chia-Yi Veterans Hospital, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chun-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Shin-Shin
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: Sheau-Ping
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Frank Huang-Chih
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Chao-Yueh
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Wen-Wei
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult