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An Interview with John Glanville

Forensic Psychologist

Read this thought-provoking interview with John Glanville, who specialised in working with sexual offenders for approximately five years whilst working for Corrective Services.

John is now in private practice.

As a forensic psychologist who specialised in the field of sexual offending, you’ve worked with a lot of people who indulge in the dark side of sex. What got you interested in this field?

I guess the criminal mind fascinates me because there are so many distortions in the cognitive processes. I have found this especially true for sexual offenders. Some of these people can justify just about any behaviour with the most irrational connections. I really enjoy straightening those distortions out via whatever means. In a sense, my interest in this field stems from the challenge of "battling" the offender's way of thinking.

Is it your experience that sexual offenders can be cured?

I dont know that I would use the term 'cured'. My experience is that these people are always at risk - done it once, can do it again. However, in saying that, there are varying degrees of risk. I would classify serial paedophiles and sexual killers as high risk, and in my opinion, incapable of change. At the other end of the scale is the low risk offender (for example an intrafamilal offender); I believe these people can change but need to be highly aware of the factors that trigger their sexual behaviour.

Are there any sexual practices that you view as totally taboo?

Anything that is not consensual.

Do you believe there is a link between pornography and sexual offending?

Yes. I believe a great deal of offenders utilise pornography. It is my experience that these people fail to comprehend that a porno resembles sexual reality about as much as your front garden resembles the Amazon. They often have a degree of hostility toward women that I believe is compounded by porn at times.

What advice do you have for women to protect themselves against sexual offenders?

Dont take risks and be aware of the signals you give. These guys are experts at zoning in on the vulnerable and/or unexpectant.

What are the signals that sexual predators look for in women?

Sex offenders have a radar for women who are easiest to victimise. This includes non-assertive women with a desire to please; naïve females who hang on to their every word they say; women who appear heavily influenced by what others think of them and have need to fit in; and those who have been victimised before. This is because sex offenders are skilled at sensing fear. They may test you by violating your personal space to see how you would react. If you become passive or timid, he knows that he can dominate you. Missing-Child. Raycan. Dreamstime.com

What do mothers need to know about paedophiles and how to protect their children against them?

Recognise that a massive proportion of offences committed against children are undertaken by someone known to the family. Child sex offenders are experts at earning the trust of people and utilise this to gain access to victims.

You have also been working with survivors of sexual abuse in private practice. Any ideas on what the most important things are that need to happen for them to heal and move forward?

It varies from person to person. Some never move forward. The ones that do seem to possess a common trait - they recognise the value of developing from victim to survivor. The ones who are able to manouvere their experience and create meaning seem to progress.