Psychological, Ideological and Emotional drivers of online and contact child sexual offending, 20 November 2025
Our exclusive workshop will explore the unseen mental and emotional processes that drive the behaviour of men involved in sexual offending.
It will consider those engaged in online offences, including collecting CSEM and the online solicitation and grooming of children, together with ‘off line’ offences. These include sexual offences against children, adult rape, and ‘non-contact’ offences such as Voyeurism and Indecent Exposure.
Schema theory
These behaviours will be considered through the lens of ‘Schema’ theory, which suggests that offenders are driven by a false but clear and consistent views of the world, including ideas about sex, intimacy, men, women, children and themselves.
The origins of these schema will be considered, and how they appear in speech, online chat, and behaviour.
Our expert
Workshop will be led by recognised international expert Michael Sheath, who is a trainer on the Europol Combating the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (COSEC) course. Michael has been working with child sexual abuse offenders for 38 years, first as a probation officer and then as Principal Practitioner at The Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
Who should attend?
The workshop is aimed at all investigators and analysts who want to develop and enhance their understanding of the psychological, Ideological and Emotional drivers of online and contact child sexual offending,
Held online via Teams. Certificates of attendance available.
Outline of the day
Session One
An explanation of Schema theory, which suggests that all individuals develop a view of the world and relationships which determines how they engage in it. Many sexual offenders develop dysfunctional and faulty schema and therefor develop and act upon false views of children and women, with hostile or suspicious views being prevalent.
The session will explore the most common deviant schema found in child molesters and rapists, how they develop, and how they are expressed.
Session Two
We will consider the practical use of Schema theory in investigations, interviews and in Offender Management roles. An understanding of offender mentality is key to rapport, engagement and interview.
We will also consider the contamination effect upon victims, and how an understanding of schema theory can assist investigators to understand the trauma of the victim experience, self-blame in victims and the difficulties victims have in making disclosures and supporting prosecutions.
HOW TO BOOK
Cost: £199.50 + VAT (GBP) per delegate (LEA and Government Agency rate). £249.50 + VAT (Industry rate).
Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.
Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information.
Payment can be made by PayPal/debit/credit card (corporate card fees apply + 3%). The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.