Adolescent sex offenders.

Abstract

VioLit summary: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study by Davis and Leitenberg was to review the research literature up to the time of writing (1987), concerning sexual offenses committed by adolescents. METHODOLOGY: This author conducted a non-experimental study of the topic of adolescent sexual violence from the available literature, covering topics of statistical incidence; characteristics of offenders, offenses, and victims; and treatment and recidivism. FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: There are many large gaps in the research which has been conducted on this topic, possibly from the lack of realization of the frequency of sexual offenses being perpetrated by adolescents. Consistent findings from the literature include: 1) Adolescents are responsible for a large part of the sexual offenses committed in the U.S., with the most conservative estimates being 20%. 2) Of these offenses, almost two-thirds have younger children as the victims, often relatives or acquaintances. 3) Victims are more often female than male, except in offenses on children with fewer females. 4) Almost all adolescent sex offenders are male (over 95%), and black males are more frequently offenders than the proportions in the general population, though this may be unrelated to race. 5) A history of being physically abused is found more frequently in adolescent sex offenders than in other male adolescents. 6) Past history of behavioral and school problems are often found in histories of adolescent sex offenders, although not more often than in other delinquent adolescents. 7) Adolescent sex offenders have a history of more consenting sexual experiences than other adolescents. 8) Recidivism in the early uncontrolled experimental treatment groups has been encouragingly low (under 10%). Research is still in an early stage (as of 1987). AUTHORS' RECOMMENDATIONS: Studies need to be conducted with matched comparison groups, to determine what the forces are that motivate adolescents to commit sexual offenses. The variables to be compared include insecurity about masculinity, insecurity about sexual performance, fear of rejection, deficits in social skills, hostility to females, stereotyping of sex roles, atypical fantasies of masturbation, and fear of adult homosexuality. All sexual offenders should not be lumped together in studies, but should be separated by such variables as age-appropriate sexual relationships, whether offenders against female or male children, whether offenses are with children or adults, whether offense is exhibitionist or of another type, and whether exclusively a sex offender or not. Studies should also be done comparing various forms of treatment and no treatment, to show which parts have the greatest contribution to positive outcomes. Other variables besides recidivism need to be measured, such as family functioning, peer relations and appropriate sexual functioning. There needs to be evaluation of preventive programs, and research needs to be directed at the victims of these offenders. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado) KW - Juvenile Offender KW - Offender Characteristics KW - Offender Recidivism KW - Sexual Assault Offender KW - Sexual Assault Treatment KW - Literature Review KW - Offender Treatment KW - Juvenile Treatment KW - Juvenile Male KW - Male Offender KW - Male Violence KW - Juvenile Violence KW - Child Abuse Offender KW - Child Sexual Abuse Offender KW - Violence Against Women KW - Rape Offender