Perpetrators Of Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

The Portuguese Version of Victim Empathy Distortion Scale: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties

AbstractVictim empathy is a common intervention target in intervention programs designed for individuals who perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA). Researchers have developed the Victim Empathy Distortion Scale (VES), an instrument designed to assess empathy for victims of CSA. The present study aims to adapt the VES for the Portuguese population and examine its psychometric properties. One hundred and twelve individuals who perpetrated CSA and 245 individuals from the community participated in this study. The confirmatory factor analysis did not show satisfactory indices for the structures previously tested. Consequently, the search for an alternative model revealed a two-factor structure, explaining approximately 50% of the total variance. Results also indicated good internal consistency, discriminant validity, and known-groups validity. Overall, the results support the claim that the Portuguese version of the VES is a valuable and psychometrically reliable instrument for measuring victim empathy in forensic and non-forensic settings.

Perspectives, Treatment Goals, and Approaches of Prevention-Specialist Mental Health Professionals in Working With Clients Attracted to Children.

The provision of effective mental health services to individuals attracted to children is rapidly expanding. However, these services have not yet been integrated into general mental healthcare systems and are mainly offered by organizations that predominantly provide services to child sexual abuse perpetrators. Little is known about the perspective, treatment goals, and approaches employed by prevention-specialist mental health professionals when working with clients attracted to children. To address this gap, we used purposive sampling to recruit 10 practitioners who had experience of working in prevention settings with clients attracted to children. After conducting semi-structured interviews and analyzing data through interpretative phenomenological analysis, we identified three main themes and four subthemes within the data. While most participants believed that attraction to minors is unmodifiable or doubted the possibility of modifiability, this belief did not necessarily manifest in their practice. Participants stressed the importance of finding safe alternatives for clients and highlighted the significance of accessing evidence-based information on alternative sexual outlets, such as sex dolls. One overarching theme that emerged across all themes and within participants' accounts was the concern of escalation, indicating a fear that pedophilic fantasies or alternative sexual outlets such as sex dolls could potentially lead to sexual offenses. The findings shed light on the approach of prevention-specialist mental health professionals in working with clients attracted to children and may be used to inform future intervention plans to facilitate service provision to this population.

An investigation of healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the role of technology in child sexual abuse

ABSTRACT Evidence suggests an increasing involvement of technology and online activities in child sexual abuse (CSA); however, empirical knowledge of the phenomenon is limited. This study investigated the role technology/online activities play in CSA, from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. Fifteen multidisciplinary healthcare professionals specialising in CSA assessment and therapy for children and adolescents completed a semi-structured interview. Results indicate technology and online activities can feature in the facilitation, perpetration, and aftermath of CSA in various ways, presenting unique challenges for victims, caregivers, and involved professionals. A range of complexities were noted in relation to CSA where there is a cyber component (e.g. permanence and reach of CSA images online), and implications for assessment and therapy at the child, parent/guardian, and clinician levels (e.g. tolerating uncertainty regarding images existing online). These findings are summarised in a diagrammatic framework, alongside priorities and prerequisites for addressing the problem of online/technology-assisted CSA.

Construction of Self-Report Indigenous Measure: The Pedophilic Interest Scale for Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrators no in Pakistan

Construction of Self-Report Indigenous Measure: The Pedophilic Interest Scale for Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrators no in Pakistan

Initial validation of Hanson Sex Attitude Questionnaire (HSAQ) in Portuguese perpetrators of child sexual abuse and perpetrators of non-sexual crimes

ABSTRACT Cognitive distortions (CDs) are a crucial element in the etiology of child sexual offending, with most of the intervention programs targeting them to reduce the risk of sexual recidivism in perpetrators of child sexual abuse (CSA). Researchers have developed the Hanson Sex Attitude Questionnaire (HSAQ) to assess CDs. With a total sample of 256 participants, the Portuguese version of the HSAQ revealed a two-factor structure. The HSAQ subscales demonstrated good to acceptable psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, as well as discriminant validity. One of the subscales also demonstrated convergent validity. Additionally, the two subscales exhibited differences between perpetrators of CSA with and without previous interventions, indicating known-groups validity. Overall, our findings partially support the use of the HSAQ in the forensic Portuguese population, underscoring its significance for clinical and research purposes. Nevertheless, particular caution is advised, especially regarding factor two.

Male Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse: A Comparison Between Individuals Serving Custodial and Non-Custodial Sentences

The literature considers individuals who sexually offended children (ISOCs) as a heterogeneous group. In Portugal, ISOCs may be subject to two types of sentences: custodial and non-custodial measures. In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis between 66 male individuals sentenced to prison and 47 male individuals sentenced to community measures for sexual crimes against children, using a set of sociodemographic, penal, and psychological measures. The results showed that the incarcerated ISOCs’ had more static risk factors for sexual and nonsexual recidivism. Only two variables increased the probability of belonging to the incarceration group: having other convictions beyond child sexual abuse and having committed serious sexual offenses. Based on these results, implications for ISOCs’ treatment and sentencing are discussed.

Why victim age and co-offending status matter in sexual offending: An analysis of Data First Ministry of Justice Crown Court data

ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of victim age and co-offending status classification systems in distinguishing between diverse sexual offenders/offences. This can aid in enhancing comprehension of the correlates and aetiologies of these offences and inform the development of more effective criminal justice policy.
 MethodsThe current study uses Data First Ministry of Justice Crown Court Data from England and Wales between 2013 and 2019 to compare offender and offence characteristics between different typologies of sexual offending categorised using: (1) victim age (child sexual abuse v adult sexual abuse); (2) co-offending status (lone v duo v group); and (3) a combination of victim age and co-offending status (group child sexual abuse v group adult sexual abuse).
 ResultsSignificant differences between the typologies were found across a variety of variables for all three categorisation systems. These included the age, sex, ethnicity, and prosecution histories of offenders; age and ethnic composition of co-offending groups/duos; and the nature of the offences committed. While some findings support previous studies, some diverge from what has previously been reported in the literature. Furthermore, some of the findings provide information on areas which, until now, have received very little attention in the literature (i.e., comparisons of group perpetrated child sexual abuse and group perpetrated adult sexual abuse).
 ConclusionThis study provides support for the application of victim age and co-offending status classification systems to sexual offending as a means of disentangling heterogeneous groups of offenders/offences.

Factors related to motivation to change and therapeutic alliance among men early in treatment following perpetration of child sexual abuse

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate relationships between criminal history, cognitive distortions, social climate, motivation to change and therapeutic alliance at an early stage of treatment among people incarcerated for child sexual abuse. To do so, 223 men (M age = 47, range = 19–76 years) who took part in a treatment programme in Quebec, Canada, following perpetration of child sexual abuse were included in the study. Individual factors (number of prior offences; cognitive distortions), social climate, and their association with motivation and therapeutic alliance were examined. Multiple linear regressions revealed that participants with fewer cognitive distortions who perceived social climate more positively were more motivated to change and had a better alliance with their therapist. Participants with higher motivation also established better therapeutic alliances with programme staff. This study provides new knowledge on two major components of successful treatment and highlights the importance of a positive environment in forming therapeutic alliance. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Treatment providers should be mindful that the same cognitive distortions that are likely to be treatment targets can also be obstacles to motivation and the development of the therapeutic alliance. In terms of the treatment environment, providing a safe, open, and supportive social climate between inmates and programme staff contributes to higher motivation and better therapeutic alliance.

Female perpetrators of child sexual abuse in the United States

PurposeResearch on women who sexually abuse children is relatively scarce and tends to rely on small or unrepresentative convenience samples. The purpose of the current descriptive study is to examine characteristics female perpetrators of child sexual abuse using a large and contemporary dataset.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes data collected by the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, which is a census of all child protective services investigations or assessments conducted in all 50 states, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019.FindingsOnly substantiated cases of sexual abuse were analyzed (n = 51,442 cases). Overall, 7.6% of the perpetrators were female, though the percentage of female perpetrators varied dramatically across states from less than 1% to over 36%. Female perpetrators tended to have younger victims than did male perpetrators. For children aged 2 or less, female perpetrators constituted approximately 20% of the abusers. Female perpetrators were more likely to victimize male and female children, whereas male perpetrators predominantly had female victims. More female perpetrators had a prior finding of maltreatment than did male perpetrators (32.3% vs 23.5%).Research limitations/implicationsThese findings add to the limited research base on female perpetrators of child sexual abuse and highlight avenues for further research into the differences between male and female sexual abusers.Originality/valueThis study is a replication of previous research but also provides additional novel findings.

Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Anak Korban Tindak Pidana Pelecehan Seksual

This research analyzes the legal protection for child victims of sexual abuse in Indonesia. Using a normative approach and literature review, this study aims to understand the legal protection provided to child victims of sexual abuse, the factors influencing sexual abuse against children, and efforts to prevent such criminal acts. The research reveals that Indonesia has a responsibility to protect child victims of crimes. Law Number 35 of 2014 on Child Protection provides the basis for protection, including the rights of children, protection from violence and discrimination, and the fulfillment of their dignity. Special protection is given to child victims of sexual abuse through rehabilitation, protection of the victim's identity, safety guarantees for victim witnesses, and accessibility to case developments. Criminal punishment for perpetrators of child sexual abuse is regulated by laws and the Criminal Code. In handling cases of sexual abuse, the role of forensic medicine is crucial in gathering necessary evidence. The principle of diversion is also applied in handling cases involving juvenile perpetrators of sexual violence. Serious coordination among the police, prosecutors, and judges is required to eradicate sexual abuse crimes against children. In conclusion, this research presents an overview of the legal protection for child victims of sexual abuse in Indonesia. Ongoing efforts are being made to strengthen protection and prevent these crimes through inter-agency coordination and effective law enforcement

An Ecclesial Analysis of Child Sexual Abuse in Ghana: implications for Pastoral Response

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem in Ghana that has long-term negative consequences for survivors. Churches in Ghana are not immune to this menace. Although, there is no reliable data on the prevalence of CSA in churches, in some cases, Christian religious leaders have been accused as perpetrators of CSA, covering up abuse or failing to take appropriate action when abuse occurs. Using the second phase of the Pastoral Cycle, the study undertook a contextual examination of child sexual abuse in churches and the church’s role in child protection in Ghana. The paper posits that pastoral ministry of care and safeguarding of children could contribute significantly to the fight against CSA in Ghana. This article adds to the literature on curbing child sexual abuse in Ghana. Keywords: Church, Child Sexual Abuse, Pastoral Response, Ghana

The Lived Experiences of Social Workers Handling Child Sexual Abuse Cases

This study was undertaken to explore and examine the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. Despite the many existing research studies in relation to social workers handling child abuse cases, the researcher could not find any research study that specifically describes the experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. This led to the aim of this study which is to examine and understand the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. The phenomenological approach of qualitative research was used in this study to allow the participants to express their views and experiences in their own understanding and feelings and interview questionnaire was the primary instrument for data collection. Social Constructivist Theory and Role Theory were used to describe the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases in this study. The findings revealed that child sexual abuse is one of the frightening forms of child maltreatment that has long-term effects which leaves deepest scars on the victims through different sexual acts of violence. The result of the study showed that social workers were one of the helping professionals that ensured the safety and protection of the child after the rescue from child sexual abuse incident. Part of the social worker’s responsibilities was to provide interventions appropriate to the needs of the child victim. The study also showed that alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be anyone; they can be strangers or people the child knows and trust. The study also revealed that although social workers were trained professionals, they still experienced difficulties in handling child sexual abuses cases in terms of safety issues, struggles, and critical situations. Social workers were prone to experience difficulties in performing their responsibilities in handling child sexual abuse cases. The findings of this study led to a better support system for social workers and awareness programs for the intervention and prevention of child sexual abuse in all child welfare settings. Lastly, support programs for social workers were crafted based on the findings of the study.

Glorifikasi Kebebasan Dari Penjara Figur Publik Pelaku Kekerasan Seksual di Infotainment Indonesia

Freedom from prison for perpetrators of child sexual abuse, who is also a public figure, was warmly welcomed by fans and relatives. The excitement was inseparable from the infotainment coverage that was broadcast through the mass media. On the other hand, sexual violence has physical and psychological consequences that affect the lives of the victims. The presence of infotainment programs also creates debate, especially in the realm of journalism related to ethics. This study attempts to describe the inequality of coverage of Saipul Jamil's freedom from prison as a former inmate who perpetrates sexual violence on the infotainment program Intens Investigasi. This study places the Critical Discourse Analysis developed by Norman Fairclough as an analytical knife. The results of this study indicate that the glorification carried out by infotainment related to freedom from prison, public figures who are perpetrators of sexual violence have a tendency to normalize sexual violence, especially in public figures. Infotainment texts lead to dispensation for public figures who commit sexual violence. Gender literacy, sexual violence, and the media are absolutely necessary, both for media people and the wider community. In addition, a grassroots movement is needed to stop the glorification that leads to the normalization of sexual violence.

Crime of the Personal Closeness: Characteristics Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse

The characteristics of perpetrators of sexual abuse against children appear in complex patterns of relationships. Studies that had discussed this phenomenon have only focused on the existence of victims, so they have not comprehensively explained the characteristics of the perpetrators. This study focuses on the question "How are the characteristics of perpetrators of sexual abuse against children?" To answer this question, this study uses a qualitative descriptive approach in exploring cases of sexual abuse against children through online media coverage. The reading of the news is focused on news headlines that contain cases, victims, and perpetrators of sexual abuse against children. Important findings in this study show that the perpetrators of sexual abuse against children are not least carried out by those closest to the child biologically, socially, and structurally, such as parents, neighbors, and teachers at school. Based on these findings, it is possible to formulate a concept of the crime of personal closeness as a contribution to this study. This study also recommends the importance of comparing cases, victims, and perpetrators of sexual abuse by interviewing groups of girls and boys on a more macro and more empirical basis.

Savile’s shadow: exceptionalism and shifting historical perpetration narratives, 1964–2012

ABSTRACT Jimmy Savile’s death in 2011, and subsequent unmasking as a sexually violent perpetrator, led to collective trauma and much social reflection in the UK. This article, drawing on public archival sources such as press reportage, broadcast media, cultural pieces, and political debate, overlays the Savile case onto a historically contiguous period of shifting child sexual abuse perpetration narratives. This runs broadly from 1964, when Savile first appeared on the BBC show Top of the Pops, until 2012. It argues that contrary to many 2010s public appraisals which suggested lacunas in the historical record, sexual violence was represented heavily, often via allusion and euphemism. This historical framework also reveals an ‘exceptionalist’ representational metanarrative, disproportionately foregrounding sensational, stranger-led, dehumanised depictions of perpetrators at the expense – albeit not total – of more common paradigms in familial and domestic spheres. Over time, this created inexact understandings of perpetrators which worsened the experiences of survivors. The Savile case represents a window into these features, given thematic and temporal overlaps, and urges us to deconstruct this metanarrative. Methodologically, academic and public discourses might also draw on the episode in order to think more usefully about perpetration through the lenses of historical method, proportionality and reflexivity.

Factors Associated With Contact Sexual Offending Among a Non-Forensic Sample of Women With Sexual Interest in Children - Results From an Anonymous Online Survey.

This study aimed at assessing the extent to which factors associated with male child sexual offending may also be applicable to women with a self-identified sexual interest in children. Participants (n = 42) took part in an anonymous online survey covering questions about general characteristics, general sexuality, sexual interest in children, and previously-perpetrated contact child sexual abuse. Group comparisons between women who reported committing contact child sexual abuse compared to those who had not were conducted in terms of sample characteristics. Furthermore, the two groups were compared regarding the factors of high sexual activity, use of child abuse material, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, emotional congruence with children, and childhood maltreatment. Our results revealed that high sexual activity, indication of ICD-11 pedophilic disorder diagnosis, exclusivity of sexual interest in children, and emotional congruence with children were associated with previous contact child sexual abuse perpetration. We recommend further research on potential risk factors relating to child sexual abuse on the part of women.

Using a Public Health Approach to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse by Targeting Those at Risk of Harming Children

The evidence is clear that child sexual abuse is a public health concern internationally. Prevention of child sexual abuse requires a variety of interventions including those that stop individuals from either sexually assaulting a child or viewing sexually abusive online images. In contrast, most current approaches internationally focus on criminal justice strategies aimed at preventing reoffending rather than stopping the first offence. Additionally, and albeit there is a general paucity of relevant scholarship, there are few signs of countries adopting coherent, unified and evidence-based strategies to prevent individuals at risk of harming a child becoming actual or repeat offenders. The focus of interventions to date is largely on prevention at the tertiary end. Understanding and adopting an integrated public health approach represents an opportunity to incorporate a range of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention interventions and develop comprehensive prevention strategies at local, national, or international levels. A comprehensive approach to prevention targeted at stopping offending in the first place is required, and it needs to be able to recognise the complex nature of offending and the diversity therein. Research shows that those who harm children are diverse in their age and gender, the children they sexually abuse—intra-familial/extra-familial, prepubescent/pubescent, peer/younger children, male or female—and the type of abuse—contact, non-contact, or online. Preventing child sexual abuse is complex and requires more than an ad hoc collection of unrelated programs, if it is to succeed. This paper synthesises and integrates the disparate scholarly literature on the potential and actual perpetrators of child sexual abuse and responses to and prevention of such abuse. It recommends an increased focus on primary prevention within a comprehensive public health approach as a conceptual framework to prevent the occurrence of child sexual abuse. A systems approach is taken to develop the proposed conceptual framework.

'They would rather not have known and me kept my mouth shut': The role of neutralisation in responding to the disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.

There is a well-established literature examining how perpetrators of child sexual abuse (CSA) neutralise the norms and beliefs that ordinarily prohibit such behaviours. However, there has been substantially less focus on how such techniques of neutralisation might also be applied by people and groups who were not directly involved in the abuse, who we might expect to be more supportive. Drawing on a thematic analysis of an open-ended survey (n=140) and semi-structured interviews (n=21) with adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse this paper examines societal responses to disclosure. Identifying three key techniques of neutralisation, it explores how families, professionals and institutions use wider discourses that deny the victim/survivor, deny or minimise harm and silence by appealing to loyalty. The results demonstrate how significant others can constrain, rather than support, the process of disclosure and recovering from CSA.

Evading Detection: What Do We Know about Men Charged with Extrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse following Delayed Detection?

ABSTRACT Most child sexual abuse (CSA) remains unreported and undetected. Despite this, much of what we know about perpetrators of CSA is derived from samples of convicted CSA offenders. Significant knowledge gaps remain about those who have evaded detection. This study addresses this gap with an in-depth content analysis of the case files of ten convicted child sexual offenders (CSOs) with the longest detection lag, selected from a broader group (n = 349) of men incarcerated at the Massachusetts Treatment Center (MTC). Participants were examined on a range of offender characteristics including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), cognitive distortions, antisocial traits, indicators of pedophilia and Machiavellian or narcissistic traits, offense facilitating factors, and grooming behavior. A tentative profile emerged with the following characteristics: direct experience of childhood abuse, various cognitive distortions, specialized rather than versatile criminal history, pedophilic traits, Machiavellian traits, and engaging in a range of offense-facilitating behaviors including grooming. We provide insight into offenders who evade detection for CSA and set the foundation for further research to inform prevention strategies for law enforcement agencies and child-serving organizations.

Expert Opinion on the Topic "Child Sexual Abuse by Women"

Most of what is known about child sexual abuse relies on research on men who committed a sexual offence against children.1 Compared to research on male perpetrated child sexual abuse, research about women who sexually abuse children (WSAC) is still scarce. What does that mean? Are WSAC exceptions? Or does it also reflect that women have been neglected in research? This expert opinion focuses on child sexual abuse by women as a growing field of research. We will describe the variety of empirical results on the proportion of female perpetrated child sexual abuse among cases of child sexual abuse and discuss possible false assumptions and biases about child sexual abuse by women.