Sexual misconduct among elementary and middle school‐aged children in partial hospitalization setting

Abstract

Often discussions of sexual misconduct of minors center on adult‐on‐child incidents; however, the frequency of student‐on‐student sexual misconduct has been on the rise. Sexual misconduct is defined as any conduct which is sexual in nature and is unwelcome and engaged in without consent. Sexual misconduct can include a range of behaviors including sexual harassment and unwanted touching. Recent data indicates that one‐half to three‐quarters of child sexual abuse and assault victimization experiences are committed by other children.