Log-in
programs // Sex Offender/Family Treatment
Currently, over 400 registered sex offenders live in the Fox Valley region of Wisconsin. They reside in our neighborhoods, work in area businesses and attend local religious organizations. CB-SOT is a specialized intensive group treatment program geared toward reducing the risk of reoffense for those offenders living in the area. It is aimed at changing deviant thoughts and behavior and developing a plan for future wellness. The great majority of sexual offenders have experienced dysfunction and trauma at early ages. The CB-SOT program also addresses areas of trauma and helps group members heal in order to gain back a sense of efficacy in healthy ways. Participants in the program are referred through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections or the court systems in Winnebago, Outagamie, Calumet and Waupaca counties.
Research indicates that successfully addressing offending patterns in adolescence reduces the likelihood of a continued pattern of offending in adulthood. This program works with male's between the ages of 13-17, who are referred through the courts, human service agencies and the Dept. of Corrections.
Sex offenders are masterful at grooming both their direct and indirect victims. The indirect victims may include wives, partners or girlfriends of offenders or mothers of victims. Often, the victimization is compounded by the realization for a mother that she did not protect her child, or for a partner who believes she should have recognized the signs. There is much self-blame and shame on the part of these hidden victims. The Connections for Family Safety group is a 24 week educational/therapy group designed to help women understand sex offender thinking and behavior, relationship dynamics and protective behaviors. Group members create personal safety plans for living and protecting their children. In the process, they begin to heal from their losses and develop a renewed sense of value and self-worth.
Some children heal better when they can share their experiences with other victims in their age group. For younger children, play and art therapies are often the most expressive means of dealing with abuse. The 10 week children's group focuses on expressive therapies, stories and sharing to help children work through the trauma of their abuse. Adolescents are at high risk of becoming victims of sexual violence. The adolescent therapy group helps teen victims explore feelings and beliefs around their sexual victimization and trauma in a safe environment.
As the entire family is affected by sexual abuse, family members need to experience both individual healing and healing as a unit. Family therapy is aimed at clarifying individual areas of responsibility for maintaining a healthy home environment. Safety planning encompasses privacy and boundary rules for the home and appropriate interventions for potential high risk situations.
