NCJ Number
104183
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1986) Pages: 431-445
Date Published
1986
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Sexually deviant interests often begin in early adolescence; thus, effective early treatment could reduce the incidence of sexual crimes.
Abstract
Study data came from 67 male adolescents referred to an outpatient clinic because of deviant sexual behavior. The subjects were between ages 13 and 19 and had been referred by the criminal justice system or social service agencies. Most had been charged with or convicted of a sexual crime. The subjects included 12 percent white, 63 percent black, and 25 percent Hispanic youths. Most had never been psychiatrically hospitalized or arrested for nonsexual crimes. Forty-one subjects were categorized as pedophiles because their offenses were directed at victims more than 5 years younger, usually under age 8. Seventeen of the youths had committed 39 rapes. The other subjects had engaged in a variety of other offenses. Eighty-two percent of the subjects had also engaged in nondeviant, nongenital sexual behavior. Sixteen percent reported physical abuse and 19.9 percent reported sexual abuse as children. Findings indicate that adolescents who engage in deviant sexual behavior are not merely experimenting but may be developing deviant patterns. They need early intervention to control their deviant behavior. 3 data tables and 27 references.