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“A shoulder to lean on in hard times”: understanding the role of friendships in the lives of individuals convicted of sexual offences

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The notion of instrumental peer support has been promulgated as a productive component in creating narratives of change amongst individuals who have engaged in sexual-offending behaviour and consequently a protective factor against sexual recidivism. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the reflections and experiences of individuals (N = 7) who have served custodial sentences for sexual offences regarding the role of friendship in their lives, both before and after conviction, and what impact friendships have had in helping or hindering their transition into the community. Data were collected through one-to-one semistructured interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified from the data: true vs fair-weather friends and the cycle of help. Implications of the findings are unpacked and the authors make a plea for assisted reintegration through, for example, the provision of peer-support schemes and community-based reintegration services.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This research highlights the challenges and difficulties in relation to establishing and maintaining friendships whilst dealing with the negative consequences of a sexual conviction. It demonstrates how the role of companionship and mutual commitment within friendships was an important factor supporting their reintegration into the community. The research highlights considerations towards community-based initiatives that support individuals with the emotional strain of friendship loss and provide them with resources to assist with maintaining existing friendships.
DOI: 10.1080/13552600.2025.2487486
Authors: Jade Lamont, Belinda Winder
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409646882
FWCI:
Cites: 99
Cited by:
Related to: 10