NCJ Number
197404
Journal
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 247-260
Date Published
October 2002
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article presents an extensive review of literature concerning adolescent sex offenders in order to assert that adolescent sex offenders are a heterogeneous population with diverse characteristics and treatment needs.
Abstract
A review of the vast literature on juvenile sex offenders in the past 20 years is presented in this article to illustrate the diversity of juvenile sex offenders and the diversity in their treatment needs. Beginning with a discussion of the nature and extent of adolescent sex offending, the authors indicate that adolescents are responsible for 20 percent of rape crimes and between 30 to 50 percent of child sexual abuse offenses. Presenting a sampling of literature addressing studies of juvenile sex offending and prior victimization, this article asserts that the behavior of adolescent sex offenders might be better viewed as abusive rather than sexual in nature. Detailing characteristics of juvenile sex offenders, the authors claim that between 25 percent to 50 percent of offenders experienced physical abuse as children and that juvenile sex offenders often experience difficulty in school settings, having IQ scores in the low average range. Presenting typologies of adolescent sex offenders, this article maintains that the juveniles who commit sex offenses are a heterogeneous group, often with antisocial, impulsive, aggressive personalities. Assessment and treatment for juvenile sex offenders should, according to the authors, reflect the diversity of the offenders themselves, focusing on intellectual, neuropsychological, personality, sexual, psychopathic, social, and behavioral strengths and weaknesses. The authors conclude that taking juvenile sex offenders’ substance usage and histories of victimization into account is necessary to provide adequate treatment services as well. References