ABSTRACT

The non-offending partners (NOPs) of individuals who have committed sexual offences face significant repercussions following the discovery of their partner’s crimes. However, NOPs support needs have typically been overlooked, with priority instead placed on equipping NOPs with the skills to monitor their partner’s behaviour and/or protect their children from sexual abuse. The present study used Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to qualitatively explore the accounts of women whose partners had committed a sexual offence (n = 9). Results highlighted that NOPs experience multiple losses, trauma, and dramatic shifts in their identities and cognitions following the discovery of their partner’s crimes via a “knock on the door” from the police. The findings highlight NOPs post-discovery support needs and have implications for professionals and agencies working with NOPs.

摘要

实施性犯罪的个人的非犯罪性伴侣 (NOP) 在发现其伴侣的罪行后面临重大影响。然而，NOP 的支持需求通常被忽视，而是优先考虑为 NOP 配备监控其伴侣行为和/或保护其子女免受性虐待的技能。本研究使用解释现象学分析来定性探索其伴侣实施性犯罪的女性的叙述（n = 9). 结果突出表明，在警察“敲门”发现伴侣犯罪后，NOP 经历了多重损失、创伤以及身份和认知的巨大转变。调查结果强调了 NOP 的发现后支持需求，并对与 NOP 合作的专业人员和机构产生了影响。