Hitting Reset: Examining The Gamer Culture Through a Sex Offense Lens

Course overview

It is estimated there are nearly 2.7 million gamers worldwide-some of whom are also individuals who commit sexual offenses. Sexual innuendo, online sexual interactions, and direct conversations about sexuality between adults and children are common in the gaming world. Understanding "gamer culture" and how it may be involved in grooming behavior and the commission of sexual offense behavior is critical for evaluators, treatment providers, and probation. Using lecture and demonstration, this presentation will illustrate the risks gaming may pose for both juveniles and individuals at risk of engaging in sexual offense behavior. Prevention strategies and the positive aspects of gaming will also be discussed. The presentation will offer information related to professionals who evaluate, treat, and/or supervise both juveniles and adults. Objectives: In this workshop, participants will: Learn about the "gamer" culture and its relationship to sexual offense behavior. Learn how gamers can use in-game sexualized behaviors to groom children. Learn information related to the assessment of problematic gaming Learn skills to discuss gaming in therapeutic ways with juvenile and adult gamers. Learn strategies to assist in the management of individuals on probation. Learn sexual abuse prevention strategies related to both offenders and victims. Speakers: Elizabeth J. Griffin, MA, LMFT Dr. David L. Delmonico, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS Dr. Stephen Kuniak, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS