Problems in Sexual Preference Testing in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

The phallometric testing of men charged with or convicted of sexual offenses against children is increasingly relied on in the investigation and disposition of cases of child sexual abuse. This article describes current phallometric test practices in relation to criminal justice, and community responses to these cases. A number of unresolved questions and concerns are identified, and the authors conclude that the available research evidence does not offer clear support for the use of phallometric data in clinical and legal decision-making processes, particularly with respect to men who have not admitted offenses.