ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on empathy and the importance of the treatment of individuals who have committed sexual violence. While empathy is not a risk factor for future sexual reoffending, it is well documented that empathy training can be effective in sex offender treatment programs. This chapter highlights harm to victims of sexual violence, including problems in interpersonal relationships, heightened fear responses, problems with mental health, and revictimization. The aim is to shed light on the long-term impact of sexual abuse on victims. In addition, the clinician is cautioned against using traditional empathy training with individuals who demonstrate significant psychopathic personality traits. While clinicians and researchers have not reached a consensus about best practice for working with individuals with psychopathic personality traits, there has been a recent focus on the importance of addressing affect deficits and emotion dysregulation which are likely to lead to disinhibition and impulsivity, possibly including instrumental and reactive violence.
