Child and adolescent females who present with sexually abusive behaviours: A 10-year UK prevalence study

Abstract

Relatively few studies have investigated the prevalence of young females with sexually abusive behaviours, and there is a lack of research comparing females with sexually abusive behaviours to a sample of non-sexually abusive delinquent females. The current pilot study explored the prevalence of sexually abusive behaviours in a sample of delinquent females referred to an outpatient Forensic Adolescent Consultation and Treatment Service (FACTS). A retrospective casenote study was conducted to compare the characteristics, offending behaviours and mental health of those with sexually abusive behaviours to their non-sexually abusive peers. Of the 258 females in the study, 31 (12%) presented with sexually abusive behaviours. Consistent with previous studies, females with sexually abusive behaviours were significantly more likely to have been victims of abuse themselves and to have learning disabilities/difficulties. They were less likely to engage in other antisocial behaviours, including aggression and violence, criminal damage, self-harm and substance misuse.