Sexual Offender Treatment in Estonia: the Current Situation and Future Perspective

Kaire TammMinistry of Justice of EstoniaCriminal Policy Department

Summary of the Current SituationChanges in legislation• More strict punishments (imprisonment rate was raised) for

sexual offences committed against children (in 2006).

• Restrictions concerning working with children for convicted sexual offenders (in 2007, amendments planned in 2011).

• The amendments, which enable courts to apply post-sentence detention and post–sentence supervision of conduct in 2009).

• The amendments, which made grooming punishable (in 2010).

Summary of the Current Situation

Changes in Policy • The Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual

Exploitation and Sexual Abuse signed in 2009.

• Guidelines for Development of Criminal Policy until 2018 approved in 2010: the use of alternative punishments shall be promoted (treatment, conciliation, etc.).

• Development Plan for Reducing Violence for years 2010–2014 approved by Government in 2010: to prevent sexual violence against children the treatment and rehabilitation possibilities for abusers shall be developed.

Summary of the Current Situation

Sexual offenders in prison and probation, 2011

• Every year approximately 50-60 persons are convicted in sexual offences.

• Most sex offenders are located in one prison – until 2010 in Murru prison (will be closed) and since 2011 in Tartu prison.

Convicted sexual offenders in prison

01/2011

Convicted sexual offenders in probation

01/2011

123 77

Summary of the Current Situation

Risk assessment

• General risk assessment instrument used in Estonia doesn´t take into account the specificities of sexual offenders.

• Since 2009 RiskMatrix 2000 partially used to assess static risk factors of convicted sexual offenders (in case of release on parole).

• So far no dynamic risk factors assessment (Stable 2007) of convicted sexual offenders, but will be in immediate futures.

Summary of the Current SituationRehabilitation and treatment• In 2007 sex offender rehabilitation program based on relapse

prevention model was established: trainers from Holland, training was in Estonia (almost 30 participants).

• Program is meant for male adults, so far approximately 100 participants.

• So far no evaluation of program implementation and effectiveness.

• No approach for minors with sexually delinquent behaviour, who should be dealt primarily outside the punishment system.

• No standards or guidelines for the treatment of sexual offenders outside the prison system.

• In 2010 study visits to Nordic countries and UK.

Recidivism study• Carried out in 2009 (based on 2007 database); prison data

will be updated annually. Recidivism indicator – interrogation as suspects in new criminal offences.

• The one-year overall recidivism rate was lowest in the case of terminated proceedings (18%) and highest in the case people released from prison (40%).

Figure 1. The one-year recidivism rate in the case people released from prison

Summary of the Future Perspectives

• The standard for the treatment of sexual offenders will be prepared by experts (in and outside prison system).

• Need for staff training (for program implementation) and specialized psychiatrist in Tartu prison to set up treatment system.

• Sex offender rehabilitation program development and assessment.

• Risk assessment development (Acute dynamic risk factors assessment).

• Law amendments to enable assign treatment (if necessary also in combination with other treatment options) as part of punishment.

Conclusions

• Sex offender treatment receives a lot of attention in national strategies: includes measures for victim support and abuser treatment as well.

• Currently Estonia aims to prevent sexual offenders recidivism mainly by sex offender rehabilitation program (therapy) carried out in probation and prisons (until 2010 in Murru and since 2011 in Tartu prison).

• Risk assessment development.

• Plan making proposal to enable treatment as a part of sanctions for convicted sexual offenders.

• Better cooperation needed between prison and health-care system (treatment options outside prison system).

Thank you for your attention

Kaire TammAdviser in Analyses Division Criminal Policy DepartmentMinistry of Justice of Estoniawww.just.eeKaire.Tamm@just.ee