Jean Proulx

Research Group on Sexual Offenders (GRAS)

The Research Group on Sexual Offenders (GRAS), funded by the FQRSC, is composed of researchers from the Université de Montréal, UQAM, UQTR, UQO, McGill University, and Laval University, as well as professionals from the Philippe-Pinel Institute and Correctional Services Canada.

Research Axes of the Team

The first research axis of this unit focuses on the processes leading to the commission of sexual offenses by sexual offenders – including offenders against children, offenders against women, and sexual murderers. Developmental, personality, and situational variables are examined in relation to different modi operandi. The analyses aim to clarify the elements defining the internal coherence of various forms of sexual aggression.

The second research axis focuses on the treatment of sexual offenders. The objective is to identify factors related to the offender and treatment that contribute to the success of therapeutic interventions. Success is defined by positive changes in criminogenic factors and a reduction in recidivism rates.

The third axis concerns predictors of recidivism among adult sexual offenders. What personal factors, treatment-related factors, and psycho-social adaptation factors explain recidivism?

Finally, the last research axis focuses on adolescent sexual offenders. The two areas studied are treatment and recidivism. Despite their high social relevance, these areas are underexplored."

Team Leader

Jean Proulx  

Team Members Regular

Researchers of the Team

• Franca Cortoni (Université de Montréal)
• Julie Carpentier (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
• Maurice Cusson (Université de Montréal)
• Nadine Deslauriers-Varin (Université Laval)
• Francis Fortin (Université de Montréal)
• Christian Joyal (Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières)
• Patrick Lussier (Université Laval)
• Monique Tardif (Université du Québec à Montréal)

Associated Researchers of the Team

• Martin Drapeau (Université McGill)
• Jean-Pierre Guay (Université de Montréal)
• Éric Lacourse (Université de Montréal)
• Denis Lafortune (Université de Montréal)
• Patrice Renaud ( Université du Québec en Outaouais)
• Frédéric Ouellet (Université de Montréal)

Regional and National Partners

• Institut Philippe-Pinel de Montréal
• Service correctionnel du Canada
• Centres jeunesse (Montérégie, Trois-Rivières, Outaouais, Lanaudière)
• RIMAS (Rassemblement des Intervenants en Matière d'Abus Sexuels)

International Partners

• Anthony Beech (Université de Birmingham, UK)
• Theresa Gannon (Kent University, UK)
• Raymond Knight (Université Brandeis, USA)
• Benoit Leclerc (Griffith University, Australia)
• Thierry Pham (Université de Mons-Hainaut, Belgique)
• Jeffrey Sandler (New York State Office of Mental Health, USA)

Team Activities

Since obtaining a team grant (FQRSC 2005-2010, 2011-2015, and then 2016-2020), we have expanded our collaboration activities with intervention settings in the field of sexual aggression.

Indeed, with our partner organization RIMAS, we annually publish a newsletter that covers our research activities: completed projects, ongoing projects, and upcoming projects. In addition, we organize an annual symposium during which researchers present their research and engage with practitioners to develop new research projects that address their concerns. The latest one took place from May 30 to June 1, 2016 (Orford) and had the theme: '20 years of passion to become better!'

To foster new talent in our research field, we also support students in their involvement in scientific activities (congresses, articles).

Upcoming activity: 9th International French-speaking Congress on Sexual Aggression (CIFAS). Theme: 'When clinical practice meets research.' Congress President: Jean Proulx

In this congress, which will be held in Montreal from May 31 to June 2, 2017, emphasis will be placed on the importance of clinical questions and concerns for researchers, as well as the importance of evaluative research for practitioners.