LAUSR

ABSTRACT Background: While previous research has focused on quantitative descriptions of adolescents who sexually abuse, little is known about their personal perspectives of treatment. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was threefold (1) Describe the treatment expectations and experiences of adolescents who have sexually abused attending a community-based intervention programme (2) Highlight pre-treatment differences between adolescents who completed the intervention and adolescents who failed to complete the intervention and (3) Highlight pre to post-treatment changes in adolescents who completed the intervention. Method: Thematic analysis was used to examine the responses of 35 adolescents to qualitative questions in specifically designed pre and post-evaluation questionnaires. Results: Five primary themes emerged: (1) Understanding of sexually abusive behaviour (2) Support (3) Effect on relationships (4) Effect on lifestyle and (5) Self-improvement. Discussion: Findings reiterate the value of supportive interventions, reveal pre-treatment differences in level of insight, and pre to post-treatment changes in understanding, self-confidence and life skills.