Whether consumers of child pornography pose a risk for hands-on sex offenses is debated. Very few studies have analyzed the association between the consumption of child pornography and the subsequent perpetration of hands-on sex offenses. Using the data of a longitudinal study of 231 male child pornography users, we examined the recidivism rates for hands-on and hands-off sex offenses after a 6 year follow-up period. The Criminal history, as well as recidivism, was assessed using the criminal records from 2008.

4.8% (n = 11) of the study sample had a prior conviction for a sexual and/or violent offense, 1% (n = 2) for a hands-on sex offense, involving child sexual abuse, 3.3% (n = 8) for a hands-off sex offense and one for a nonsexual violent offense. When applying a broad definition of recidivism, which included ongoing investigations, charges and convictions, 3% (n = 7) of the study sample recidivated with a violent and/or sex offense, 3.9% (n = 9) with a hands-off sex offense and 0.8% (n = 2) with a hands-on sex offense.

These data suggest, that consuming child pornography alone is not a risk factor for committing hands-on sex offenses - at least not for those subjects who had never committed a hands-on sex offense. The majority of the investigated consumers had no previous convictions for hands-on sex offenses. For those offenders, the prognosis for hands-on sex offenses, as well as for recidivism with child pornography, is favorable.