The risk factors and treatment needs of sexual
offenders are mostly framed around inabilities; the inability to emotionally regulate, the
inability to inhibit behaviors, the inability to suppress deviant fantasies. In this way those
working in research and practice concerned with rehabilitation may see sexual offenders as
novices in need of developing expertise in their own risk management. The general public on
the other hand may see them as expert hunters or manipulators of their potential victims. As
is often the case, one viewpoint may benefit from adopting elements of the other.