In the context of the total number of offenders, ten seems to be a small number in receipt of treatment, but the fourth phase of the sex offender treatment programme is under way at present. Ten offenders started the present programme and nine of those have continued to participate. In previous programmes 30 offenders participated, with 27 completing the programmes. One of the important aspects is that the programme is voluntary. Those of us involved in such matters will understand that people cannot be forced to undertake this type of treatment. It must be approached with openness to ensure it is a success, and it will succeed if people are genuinely committed to it.
As regards the success rate of the treatment programme, it is important that people become involved in the programme so that it is a success. It is difficult to say how effective is the programme. Expert advice is that psychometric assessments carried out pre-treatment and post-treatment confirm a significant reduction in the offenders' cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions can be explained as pro-offending beliefs and attitudes that serve to maintain offending behaviour. We are advised there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of personal responsibility for what happens in their lives. In terms of success, it comes down to participation by the individual in the programme and how much he co-operates with it. Those involved in running the programme can only do so much, the person only gets from it what he puts into it.