ABSTRACT
This chapter offers guidance to practitioners in acquiring the confidence to assess issues relating to sexuality in order to better inform more effective risk assessments. It highlights the importance of integrating a detailed psychosexual history into the analysis of risk and discusses issues such as the impact of age, medication and health on sexual functioning, as well as the role of paraphilias as they relate to sexual behaviour. Deviancy relates to how far from the norm the offender has moved on the continuum of sexual behaviour. Knowledge of sexual functioning in older people is essential in assessing sexual offenders, the risk they pose and their risk of reoffending. The existence of some paraphilias in the commission of sexual offences is an important aspect that must be considered by the practitioner in assessing deviancy and risk. Whilst sexual dysfunction can be the result of physical health problems, they can also relate to psychological or emotional difficulties.
