Between public agenda and the emergence of intervention programmes: sexual offenders within the Portuguese context

Abstract

In Portugal, over the last decade, sexual abusers have gained considerable interest within clinical, academic, judicial and media circles. This paper will sketch an introduction to sexual crimes in Portugal. In order to achieve this aim, a brief description of the studies is presented, as well as the legal aspects of these offences and an indication of these crimes' prevalence in official files. Finally, some future directions on this issue are discussed, claiming for the urgency of articulated rehabilitation programmes conducted by government agencies and prisons.