Early studies on attraction to children included many questionable techniques, such as physical measurements of attraction based on risqué pictures of children. These studies are not considered useful in today’s society, so the need to include these in the literature review is absent and would create the need to discuss limitations that have already been overcome in more recent research. Valid studies on the victim-offender cycle specifically regarding CSA became more frequent in the late 1990’s, so the studies summarized in this section will be studies based off these early studies. The more recent studies have improved upon older studies by great measures, so it is necessary only to go into depth with the newer information. One of the …show more content…
In the discussion of this study, it was noted that the offender group was more frequently abused in multiple ways (physical and emotional, the non-offender group was disregarded in analysis of single abuse since they obviously had a 100% victimization rate) than the non-offender group, possibly because they were more socially disadvantaged and therefore more likely to be reported and convicted than those more privileged (Briggs & Hawkins, 1996). It was concluded by Briggs and Hawkins (1996) that since an initial requirement of the non-offender group was that they be a victim of CSA, it would not be reasonable to point to victimization as a probable reason for becoming an offender based on this data, though they do assume that a 93% victimization rate (the percentage of offenders that were victims of CSA) is higher than the general population. The authors note their contribution to the field of research on this topic as a realization that boys who discount their own victimization are more likely to become a child molester than those who realize what has happened to them is not normal (Briggs & Hawkins, 1996). In 2001, Glasser, Kolvin, Campbell, Glasser, Leitch, and Farrelly published their study on the cycle of CSA, stating that there was a widespread background of belief in the cycle or overlap in victims and offenders, but little to no data to prove it. They
Further exploration discovered that the choice of sexual expression correlates more to the child’s age then the offenders (Sanford, 87). Offenders do not form intimate relationships with other adults (Henderson, 39). Eight-five percent of sexual activity was nonorgasmic with one-fourth of activity ending before any stimulation occurred by the offender (Sanford, 83). Now that we know some offenders characteristics, it is paramount that we learn to identify traits that may be common to youthful victims.
Many etiological theories exist attempting to explain the root causes of sexual offending. Although few provide substantial evidence and no definitive conclusions have been made, the social learning theory has been proposed to account for sex offending behaviors. Specifically, the social learning theory, or victim-to-victimizer theory, suggests sexually abused children learn these behaviors and are much more likely to perpetrate abuse when they’re older (Seto & Lalumiere, 2010). The following studies have provided substantial support for the social learning etiology. Through the use of a meta-analysis, Seto and Lalumiere (2010) concluded that sexual offending is tied to prior sexual abuse. Burton, Miller, and Shill (2002) discovered
A common assumption amongst those in the field of criminal justice is that most adult criminals were victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect in their childhood. A study by Steele in 1975 found that, of 200 detained juvenile offenders, between 72% and 84% had backgrounds of child abuse (Weeks & Widom, 1998). A 1979 study by Lewis, Schanok, Pincus, and Glaser found that of a sample of male juvenile offenders, 75% had experienced childhood physical abuse. In follow-up interviews with the same subjects previously surveyed, 80% reported childhood physical abuse (Weeks & Widom, 1998). A study done by the Department of Correctional Services Research and Reporting Unit in 1983 had inmates answer a questionnaire; 25.2% of the inmates who answered the questionnaire reported childhood victimization (1998).
Being sexually abused is a very traumatizing experience, and this form of victimization at a young age only amplifies the situation. The mortifying nature of child sexual abuse often brings along with it changes in the victim's life. Some of the numerous short term effects (problems that impact them while they are still at a young
Abuse and delinquency have been linked together for many years. There have been many studies done to determine whether victims of abuse have higher rates of delinquency, as compared to those who have not encountered abuse. It has been found that adolescents who were victims of sexual assault were three to five times more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder, be abused again, be dependent on drugs and alcohol, or commit delinquent acts compared with adolescents who were not victimized (Impact of Child Abuse, 2011). In another study that was conducted to examine the relationship between abuse and delinquency, the data that was found, supported the data that was found in the study above; the authors of the study found that abuse nearly doubles the probability that an individual will engage in crime. This information was found to even be true with twins, one of whom was abused and other one was not (Currie & Tekin, 2006).
The statistics of prevalence for child sex abuse varies because of all the unique cases of child sex abuse that is reported. Although, statistic show that one in three girls will be sexually abused at one point in the United States and boys are one in seven to be sexually abused (Anderson, 2014). Children are not susceptible to crime as shown in the statistics because predators like pedophiles have fetishes towards little boy or girls. One study found that 10% of children experienced or came close to experiencing a form of sexual violence which would include rape, sexual assault, or harassment (Anderson, 2014). The numbers shown in the statistics are higher because of the unreported cases. 30% of cases involving child sex abuse are reported to the local authorities and 73% to 87% of female adolescents who are abused sexually are not treated or identified by by the community (Anderson, 2014). Child sex abuse is also costly because it costs the United States an estimated $103 billion for the abuse and negligence (Anderson, 2014). On another note, 80% of children who have been sexually abused have symptoms of PTSD (Anderson, 2014).
More specifically, sexual abuse is the most critical pathway to delinquency among girls (Ruddell & Thomas, 2009, p. 140). In the case of Cyntoia Brown, the audience learns early on that the sixteen year old faced sexual abuse from a man called “Kutthroat.” In an interview with Dr. William Bernet, forensic psychiatrist, Brown admits that “Kut,” real name Garion McGlothen, would choke her until she passed out, force her to strip, and hold a gun to her until she complied with his orders (The 16 Year Old Killer: Cyntoia's Story). According to Ruddell and Thomas, physical and emotional victimization in girls can also lead to delinquency. In fact, 92% of girls interviewed report some form of victimization in their lifetime (Ruddell & Thomas, 2009, p. 140).
with Research conducted on the characteristics of female sexual abusers uses three specific case examples of young girls, ages: ten, twelve, and sixteen. In two of three case examples, the girls had reported being sexually abused at a young age. The third girl, age sixteen, did not explicitly state she had been sexually abused, but has close ties with her father who is a known sex-offender,; therefore it is believed that she has been sexually abused during childhood. A review of adolescent offenders of sexual abuse, under the age of 21, shows: “Chi-square analyses showed significant associations between those who targeted children and being sexually abused or having a family member subject to sexual abuse” The study also reports that those that have experienced sexual assault at a young age, and have been reported to sexually assault other children typically have poor relationships with peers and family members in addition to experiencing two or more instances of
While negative effects manifest differently in females than males, the abuse is equally damaging to both genders. In my experience, most male CSA victims are riddled with feelings of guilt and shame. Most often their abuse was perpetrated by a trusted male during a critical time in development. Although the sexual contact was unsolicited and unwanted, their body had a physiological response to stimulation. This confusion often contributes to the victim’s belief that the abuse was somehow their fault, therefore “causing an unwillingness to admit to being victimized, and difficulty making negative attributions regarding an otherwise positive person” Ondersma et al.). Rind’s utilization of a college sample excludes the aforementioned male CSA victims. Since their maladaptive behaviors often lead to addiction, delinquency, and poor academic performance, males who suffered more maladaptive effects are very unlikely to be included in a college sample. Therefore, Rind’s findings can’t be accurately generalized to the majority
Most research indicates that about ninety percent of juvenile sex offenders are male. However, there is also research indicating there may be a considerable underrepresentation of the female juvenile offender in data. According to Schwartz, Cavanaugh, Pimental, and Prentky, although the vast majority of sexually aggressive youth are male, the proportion that is female appears to be much greater than is commonly observed among adult sex offenders, which may indicate that abuse by adolescent females is reported at a significantly lower rate than abuse by male adolescents (2006). One explanation for this is that the general public tends to struggle with the idea that a young woman could be capable of such perverse behavior. It should also be considered that male victims may have more difficulty reporting a sexual crime against them when the perpetrator is someone that society has taught them is the inferior gender (Hendriks, Bijleveld 2006). As a whole, female abusers have been researched very little, and juvenile female abusers have been virtually ignored in the field of criminological study.
The children educated on sexual abuse often only imagine molesters as creepy strangers, while the majority of molesters are already known and trusted by the adult community. Therefore, even with sexual abuse education, children often don’t know what to do when they are put into situations in which their molester is trusted by their community and/or threatens them not to tell others. When they do tell adults about their abuse, moreover, their
Child sexual assault has been studied by many criminologists in order to understand offender motivations and causations, and what measures society can adapt to reduce the prevalence of the crime. The offenders, Kurt Werner, Jimmy Warren and Jack Reynolds, have common experiences, as people caught in an almost cyclical life of crime. In other words, each offender was a victim as a child, who went on to victimise others. The Social learning theory, as adapted by Burgess and Akers, relates to the chosen offenders and their common crimes, where each offender’s childhood victimisation served as a model for their later crimes. This will be the main point of theoretical discussion in relation to the chosen offenders.
When one thinks of a young child one thinks of joy, innocence, and being carefree. Too often than not though that innocence is taken from a young child through sexual abuse. Studies have shown over and over again that a child who has been sexually abused carries those scars with them into adulthood, many times affecting adult relationships. When a person thinks of a child molester they see in their minds the dirty old man image. This is not the case in most abuse cases. Usually the child knows the person that is going to harm them. The offender is usually someone that the child and his or
While the theoretical reasoning that supports the idea that child abuse often leads to crime gives a basis for the concept, much of the evidence that links the two lies in the concrete details. The visible effects of child abuse and neglect that assist with the basis that has been given by the psychological theories lies in observable behavioral and emotional effects of those who are known to have been subject to maltreatment as children. Some children who have a history with abuse do not experience any repercussions while others experience extreme consequences; this is largely because of the certain child’s ability to handle and grow from negative experiences (Child Welfare Information Gateway 3). Children who experience consequences
According to The office of the Attorney General with the cooperation of Texas CASA, Inc, “ Abused and neglected children are 53% more likely to be arrested as juveniles and 38% more likely to be arrested as adults,” ( Child Abuse 33 ). This suggest that abused child are likely to act aggressively toward others and have poor control over themselves emotionally as well. Especially for childs at young age, it is very easy for them to adapt such behavior and influences on education can also lead to unemployment when the child gets into adulthood. Some may say that “ Most abused and neglected children growing up to be peaceful and productive citizens, ” (National academies press 231). In other word, this insist that yes, there is victims who become abusive , most child who experienced abuse did not act aggressively or behaving badly to accuse crimes. Although I agree with the quote when she states that many people who were under victimization of child abuse did not respond to the society in irrational ways, I still insist that children could have revive from the pains that any abusers could bring to them, but it doesn’t mean that criminals could escape more punishments other than incarceration, crime accusers should receive heavier sentencing than jail, depending on severity of the crime. I think it is important to consider the effect on child in future and